Seasonal breaks in the academic calendar such as winter, spring, and summer provide a chance for the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities to take advantage of both decreased student traffic and building occupancy to improve Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus.

From the installation of LED-equipped crosswalk poles by the Virginia Tech Electric Service to housekeeping care and grounds improvements, the division continues to maintain and enhance the Blacksburg campus even when it feels like no one is watching. 

Extended breaks gives teams an opportunity to improve on the routine tasks that are completed on a daily basis throughout each year. During this time, more intensive projects can be completed in a more efficient manner.

As the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities begins springtime preparations including mulching, planting, and mowing, the division reflects on recently  completed projects that position the university to be successful in the spring season.

Exterior improvement projects

  • West Campus Drive: Crosswalk lighting improvements were made on four crosswalks with the installation of pedestrian crosswalk poles fitted with LED fixtures. This work was completed by the Virginia Tech Electric Service.

  • Otey Street: Installation of a new crosswalk along Otey Street for improved pedestrian safety in the Creativity and Innovation District. This included ADA improvements to the existing conditions.

  • Williams Hall: Assembly of a cellular antenna system on the roof of Williams Hall. The project also included the construction of a screen wall to minimize the antenna's visual impact along the Drillfield. This is also part of a series of projects in conjunction with the Division of IT to improve 5G capability on campus.

  • Steger Hall: A new bike shelter with racks was installed near Steger Hall.

  • Eggleston Quad: Drainage remediation at the volleyball courts to improve player experience and site resilience. 

  • Torgersen Hall: Installation of LED lights on the exterior of Torgersen Bridge. The LED upgrade will improve bridge diagnostics and lighting for the surrounding pedestrian walkway. All conversions to LEDs support the Climate Action Commitment’s net zero goal.

  • All campus parking lots: Parking lots received additional maintenance while vehicles were vacated.

Safety lighting upgrades to West Campus Drive. Photo courtesy of the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities.

Grounds care

  • Architecture Annex Lot: Pruning of shrubs along Roanoke Street (town- gown interface) and mulching, using recycled, chipped material. 

  • Davidson Hall: Replacement of the landscape at the rear entrance of the building. Improvements include planting evergreen and flowering shrubs. The east side of the building received a turf renovation.

  • Dietrick Hall: Sod installation and grading on the east bank of the building on the eroded slope adjacent to the Quillen Spirit Plaza

  • Food Science and Technology Building: Shrub pruning to promote bloom, and edging and mulching of plant beds around the building. Stone edging and re-mulching of the building's signage.

  • Newman Library: Edging and mulching of Drillfield facing bus stop plant beds. Decorative stone installation to control mulch erosion on the adjacent sidewalk.

  • Alumni Mall: Edging and re-mulching of elms in the center island of Alumni Mall.

  • Pamplin Hall: Repair of erosion, seeding, and tree mulching.

  • Pritchard Hall: Wood chipping under mature trees to cover thin turf and exposed soil on the west side of the building. Installation of decorative stone along west walkway. 

  • South Stadium Lot: Mulching around the parking lot islands. 

  • Squires Student Center: Installation of decorative stone edge around bus stop planters and surrounding tree mulching. 

  • Torgersen Hall: Installation of decorative stone edge around bus stop planters and surrounding tree mulching. 

  • Residential Region: Turf renovation throughout the residential region including, compost spreading, deep tine aeration, and seeding to improve turf quality at Chilled Water Loop sites.

  • Drillfield: Pruning of shrubs in the upper Drillfield to promote growth and improve sight distance. Mulching of tree planting beds in the upper Drillfield as needed. 

  • Wallace Hall: Repair of erosion on the south side of the building. Installation of decorative stone and mulching of plant beds. 

  • Washington Street: Oak chip tree mulching around Litton-Reaves Hall. 

  • Williams Hall: Repair of erosion, seeding, and tree mulching.

Upcoming grounds care includes mulching and landscape improvements on the New Hall West quad, planting at Pritchard Hall, and the implementation of decorative stone at Williams Hall.

Fresh mulch at the Architecture Annex parking lot. Photo courtesy of the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities.
Stone edging and mulching at the Food Science and Technology Building. Photo courtesy of the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities.
Mulching Drillfield tree planting beds. Photo courtesy of the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities.
A bed of decorative stone and fresh mulch next to Wallace Hall. A pathway with a series of stairs is in the background.
Decorative stone and mulching at Wallace Hall. Photo courtesy of the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities.

Interior improvement projects

  • Price Hall: Improvements were made to the existing interior stairwell to provide a fire-rated assembly. This project is part of the university’s maintenance reserve program which aims to maintain and protect existing state capital assets and extend the useful life of existing buildings throughout various renovations. 

  • Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine: 22,000 square feet of floorwork was performed, including application of four layers of wax and additional carpet care.

  • All Blacksburg campus academic buildings: Received additional detail cleaning in high traffic public spaces; such as carpet spot and stain removal, dusting in stairwells, buffing and polishing hard surface flooring, and floor maintenance in restrooms.

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