Virginia State University
Convocation Center Detailed Program and Architectural Selection
In the summer of 2006, Brailsford & Dunlavey was retained by Virginia State University to complete a convocation center feasibility study. The University’s 2020 Vision Plan called for increased enrollment, enhancements to its existing academic programs, and development initiatives that would change the landscape of the campus. To achieve these goals, the University identified the need for a multipurpose venue to serve the academic, cultural, athletic, and entertainment needs of the University. At the time B&D was hired, the University had limited indoor facilities to host critical functions such as orientation, registration, validation, and graduation. The largest existing space on campus, Daniels Gymnasium, had capacity for 3,370 and already served numerous constituents including athletics, recreation, physical education, ROTC, University-sponsored events, and community events.
B&D considered different scenarios, taking into account various building sizes, event schedules, and policy decisions that each played an important role in determining project viability. For this project to be successful and to offset some of the costs, B&D recommended that the University explore partnership opportunities with the surrounding cities and counties; the ability to build this facility and cover operational costs would depend on the level and type of support the University could garner through the community. In the scenario presented in the final report, the University would be responsible for covering $19 million in project costs, which would equate to an annual debt service of $1.4 million. With additional funding coming from both the State of Virginia ($44 million) and potential community partners ($10 million), the facility would be able to cover its operating cost and debt payment.
Upon receiving approval from the State to advance the project in December 2008, Virginia State University re-engaged B&D to assist in the development of a detailed program of architectural requirements for a multipurpose center. The program document outlined the facility through narrative, graphics, and statistical descriptions of the spaces, which will comprise the facility’s functions and the interrelationships between them, as well as the requirements that will enable the facility to achieve the client’s objectives for the project.
In conjunction with this effort, B&D also assisted the University with architectural selection for design services. Selecting the right architectural team for the project was a critically important step toward realizing the full range of benefits that a multipurpose center could provide. B&D worked with the University to develop an RFP, coordinate the selection process, and assist in the negotiation process with the selected firm. Upon completion of this effort, B&D was retained to serve as the owner’s representative and primary interface during the project’s pre-planning phase.
