Completed elevator towers, planned compliant pathways advance campus accessibility
Both projects will help provide accessible navigation through the North Academic District.
A pair of elevator towers with 24/7 access recently opened its doors in Virginia Tech’s North Academic District.
Integrated in the Cowgill steps, the towers, which feature architectural precast concrete bases with distinctive heraldry panels and glazed curtain wall “lanterns,” will improve mobility, access, inclusion, and collaboration.
The first tower, situated on the north side of Derring Hall, will transport individuals from the Transit Center through Hitt Hall’s Innovation Plaza to the intermediate levels of Derring and Cowgill halls. The second tower, located on the northwest side of the G. Burke Johnston Student Center, will move users from the intermediate level to the Burruss Hall level and Burchard Plaza. Each tower contains two elevators.
To connect the Drillfield to the elevator towers along the west side of Burruss Hall, an American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant pathway is under construction. This project, which is expected to be completed later this fall, is part of a universitywide effort to improve the physical accessibility of the Blacksburg campus. The pathway and completed elevator towers are included in a series of high-priority mobility and accessibility improvements happening in the most heavily traversed areas.
Part of the bigger picture
The universally designed pathway and new elevator towers will help provide accessible navigation throughout the North Academic District. With these improvements, students, employees, and visitors to the Blacksburg campus will have a direct and accessible route from the G. Burke Johnston Student Center to the Drillfield. These projects are just one piece of the Campus Master Plan, which outlines the Infinite Loop and Green Links.
Once completed, the 2.1-mile Infinite Loop and 3.5 miles of Green Links will help foster a more inclusive campus environment. “The Infinite Loop and Green Links are important universal design features included in the Campus Master Plan,” said Liza Morris, assistant vice president for planning and university architect. “By enhancing connectivity across campus, these projects not only help facilitate mobility but also promote social interaction, recreation, and sustainability.”
The Infinite Loop, envisioned as a perimeter route connecting each district around the Blacksburg campus, and the Green Links, landscape corridors that extend north-south through the Drillfield to major campus regions, were designed with universal access and placemaking in mind.
Looking ahead
Through these two projects, inclusive spaces on the Blacksburg campus continue to expand. “We are proud to see these projects come to life on the Blacksburg campus,” said Paul Ely, interim director of capital construction. “With the completion of the elevator towers and ongoing work on the pathway, we are realizing the Campus Master Plan, which will provide Hokies with inclusive and accessible spaces for years to come.”
In addition to the pathway from the G. Burke Johnston Student Center to the Drillfield, the North Academic District will also be home to accessible pathways between Whittemore Hall and Cowgill Hall, between Hancock Hall and Mitchell Hall, and by Patton Hall.
But the work doesn’t stop there. Additional efforts made by the Campus Accessibility Working Group have contributed to three more projects that will soon be underway on the Blacksburg campus:
- Accessible pathway from Hahn Hall North to Davidson Hall
- Infinite Loop Phase 1A construction from the Perry and Stanger streets traffic circle to Barger Street
- Accessible Pathway at the Visitor and Undergraduate Admissions Center
As construction projects around campus continue to take place, the Division of Facilities works closely with the Office for Equity and Accessibility to ensure construction projects have as little impact as possible on the campus community. While many of these projects include temporary closures during construction, the finished product will have a positive and long term impact on the physical accessibility of campus. During periods of temporary closures, individuals may access the Interactive Campus Map, which is regularly updated to reflect project developments, and includes information on accessible routes and entrances.
"As a university community, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every member feels valued and supported," said Kelly Oaks, associate vice president for equity and accessibility. "These additional projects underscore our commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible campus environment where everyone can thrive and succeed."
As part of the broader Campus Master Plan, these efforts not only help enhance mobility and access for students, employees, and visitors, but also embody the university’s dedication to working toward a welcoming and collaborative community. With additional projects already underway, Virginia Tech is working to prioritize accessibility by ensuring that all Hokies can navigate campus with ease and inclusivity.
As construction continues, updates – including impacts to accessible and pedestrian routes – will be shared via Virginia Tech News.
