VSU plans to build several new buildings next to the Summerseat house to create a complex dedicated to agricultural programming. (Courtesy Glave & Holmes)
Virginia State University is planning to consolidate its agricultural programming at a new complex on its campus in southern Chesterfield, as it also eyes demolition of decades-old residences to tee up future redevelopment.
In support of its agriculture program, VSU wants to construct three new buildings and renovate the existing Summerseat house across 2 acres near the school’s Multipurpose Center.
The project involves the construction of a 3,600-square-foot food demonstration building, a 1,100-square-foot pavilion and a 2,000-square-foot greenhouse on the site, which would join the existing two-story, 1,000-square-foot Summerseat building at 20829 Chesterfield Ave. to form a hub for the university’s agriculture program.
“This project brings together all the College of Agriculture components onto one site to demonstrate research, promote agriculture instruction, and provide cooking classes/instruction to enhance the lives of the students and the surrounding community,” according to a VSU application seeking approval to renovate Summerseat from the state’s Art and Architectural Review Board, which recently reviewed the proposal.
The project would provide space for agricultural instruction and programming. (Courtesy Glave & Holmes)
The new buildings, designed by architecture firm Glave & Holmes, would feature materials similar to those used in the construction of Summerseat, which dates to around 1860, like brick construction and wood columns. But they would also incorporate larger expanses of glass and open interiors to create a contemporary feel, according the AARB filing.
The project received a recommendation of approval earlier this month from the AARB, according to draft meeting minutes. The AARB’s recommendations are forwarded to the Department of General Services director, who provides final approval of design plans for state government buildings such as VSU facilities.
The project is also subject to the results of an archaeological study that was still pending as of last week, according to a Department of Historic Resources spokesperson.
The VSU-owned 3007 Jackson Place property is slated for demolition. (Courtesy VSU)
At its March 6 meeting, AARB also recommended approval of requests by VSU to demolish dilapidated and unoccupied residential structures on Jackson Place.
VSU is planning to raze a 3,000-square-foot house at 3007 Jackson Place and a 5,600-square-foot duplex at 3031 Jackson Place to allow for a “higher use of the land,” AARB filings state.
The university’s 2024 master plan stated that at least one of the two buildings would be torn down to make way for new student housing.
VSU said the buildings were in poor condition and date back to the 1910s and 1920s. The plans to demolish the structures are subject to a review by the Department of Historic Resources.
Further details of the projects, such as anticipated costs and construction timelines, weren’t available. VSU representatives didn’t respond to requests for comment.
