University of Virginia Library

MARY WASHINGTON COLLEGE MATTERS

SCIENCE BUILDING BIDS

The Chancellor reported (1) that the architects will deliver the plans and
specifications for the new science building some time during May, (2) that
preliminary estimates place the probable cost of this building at approximately
$900,000, exceeding by $175,000 the available appropriated funds of $725,000, and
(3) that the science faculties are opposed to a reduction of facilities in the
building to cover this difference

It was resolved by the Board, after discussion that the specifications be
put out promptly for bids, and that the Board be informed thereafter if the bids
indicate the necessity of a supplemental budget request.

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION FOR DORMITORY

A discussion of the new dormitory plans brought out the fact that the
available funds of $192,500 were appropriated prior to the decision to construct
this building to house 140 students instead of 100 students. In order to bring
the appropriation up to 55 per cent of the cost, so as to provide adequately for
maintenance and obtain a favorable interest rate on the bonds issued, it seemed
desirable to make an additional capital outlay request of $77,000

The Board resolved accordingly that an additional capital outlay request of
approximately $77,000 for this building be presented to the General Assembly

ADDITIONAL DORMITORY UNIT APPROVED

The Chancellor initiated a discussion of the future building program, which
will eliminate use of the outmoded, off-campus apartment house, Cornell Hall, now
used as a dormitory.

On motion of Mr. Gravatt, seconded by Miss Wheeler, the following
resolution was adopted

RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia that Mary
Washington College of the University be and is hereby authorized when funds are
available to locate a dormitory unit, consisting of two dormitories, on the
southeast corner of the Reichel property at the intersection of William Street
and Sunken Road

LIBRARY STACK ADDITION AND NEW GYMNASIUM

Two major items in the biennial budget, the Chancellor pointed out, are the
requests for $275,000 for a library stack addition and $750,000 for a gymnasium.
The proposed addition to the library (which must now store current book purchases
in temporary facilities) will furnish shelving for 120,000 volumes, or all new
books acquired over the next twenty years. A single addition at this time is
believed to be the most economical plan for expansion.

The proposed gymnasium would replace the hopelessly inadequate gymnasium
room built in 1910, concentrate health and physical education facilities in one
building, and release the old gymnasium area to student organizations in the
Student Activities Building

ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL BUDGETS APPROVED

After further discussion of various items in the Annual Budget for the year
ending 30 June 1958 and in the Biennial Budget for 1958-1960, copies of which were
furnished to each Visitor, the following resolutions, moved by Mr. Gravatt and
duly seconded by Miss Wheeler, were adopted by the Board:

RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia that the
Annual Budget for Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia for the
year ending 30 June 1958, as laid before the Board, be and it is hereby approved,
subject to final approval by the Board's Committee on Mary Washington College.

RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia that the
Biennial Budget for Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia for the
biennium beginning on 1 July 1958 and ending on 30 June 1960 be and it is hereby
approved, as laid before the Board, subject to final approval by the Board's
Committee on Mary Washington College.

GARI MELCHERS' BELMONT ESTATE

The Chancellor reported briefly on a tentative proposal from the Virginia
Museum of Fine Arts for transferring to the College the title to and responsibility
for Belmont, formerly the hone of Gari Melchers. This estate, located across the
river from the College, includes more than 100 paintings and other properties of
potential teaching value in the Art Department.

The Rector proposed that the Chancellor continue the conversations with the
Virginia Museum authorities unless any of the Visitors should have a contrary
opinion. No adverse opinions were voiced.

CENTRAL STOREROOM FIRE

The Chancellor reported to the Board the fire which occurred in the Central
Storeroom on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 26th. The damage to contents is not
expected to exceed $10,000, and is fully covered by insurance of $18,000 on the
contents and $50,000 on the building.

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On motion the meeting was then adjourned.