University of Virginia Library

A Little History

The history of this piece of
property is interesting. According
to Werner Sensbach, Director of
University Planning, the University
did engage in the bidding for the
land along with Hurt and only
withdrew when it became evident
that Hurt valued the property
highly and would continue to bid as
long as necessary. Correspondence
between Kevin Mannix and the
President's office indicates that the
University has had no further
relationship with the land, although
its interest in the character of the
development will be such that
Jerry Gardner, an assistant to
President Shannon and Mr.
Sensbach will attend the Planning
Meeting at 7:30 this evening, as
observers.

It is unfortunate that some ten
years ago when the University was
in the land market (this is when the
Birdwood tract was purchased),
that it did not have the foresight to
grab this land also. Its location
makes it ideal for additional
classroom buildings and faculty
office space, both rapidly
disappearing commodities. The
hard facts are, though, that Hurt
owns the property, not the
University. What then can be done?

It is certainly arguable that
Hurt's proposal is a reasonable
realistic and potentially lucrative
plan. There is a need for
commercially zoned land near the
University. There are no stores
catering to the shopping desires of
the women students within real
walking distance of the school for
example and space at the Corner is
at a premium. In addition, if more
housing units are to be built there
an casing of the housing problem
may be effected, although there is
reason to believe that Hurt's
concept of dormitories differs from
the University's.