Water, Water Everywhere…
One of the earliest problems with the Convergence Center’s Library Site was its proximity to a protected stream. In order for the Convergence Center to begin construction, permission had to be granted by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
In fact, Hanbury Evans had these requirements in mind when they came up with the unusual “J” shape of the building.2 While the building did not cross the limits of the stream, its inevitable construction needs would force equipment and vehicles to operate within the exclusion zone.
With the help of the Williamsburg Environmental Group, the University of Mary Washington developed a mitigation plan and submitted it to the Department of Conservation and Recreation on January 3, 2012.
These documents and more can be found in The Collection of John Morello and The Collection of Jerry Slezak.
1 Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas + Company, Unnamed Top-Down Sketch of the Final Library Concept, nov. 25, 2008, 1515 x 1048, JPG, The Collection of Jerry Slezak.
2 As evidenced by the care taken to avoid the “RPA Line” in each concept for the Library Site.
3 Hanbury Evans Wright Vlattas + Company, CBPA Exhibit: UMW Convergence Center, dec. 19, 2011, 3772 x 3400, JPG, The Collection of John Morello.
4 Facilities Services, University of Mary Washington, Letter to Nancy Miller, jan. 3, 2012, 3400 x 4400, JPG, The Collection of John Morello.