Skanska begins construction on student center at Longwood University

Construction is underway on a new $28.6 million student center at Longwood University in Farmville.

The 84,000-square-foot, Upchurch University Center will be a modern facility that reflects the character of the nearby historic buildings on the campus, according to Skanska USA, the builder for the project.

The center will house many student organizations and activities. The façade, which will be in keeping with Greek and Roman architecture, will open to Brock Commons, the primary campus artery. It also will include a large multipurpose room and a double-story portico on the south side of the structure, which opens onto Wheeler Mall, a green space used for spring commencement.

Skanska said it has completed demolition of the Cunningham Residence Halls and finished relocating and working on below-grade utilities. All foundations and steel erection have been topped out to make way for the balance of construction.

The center is scheduled to open in fall 2018.

The Upchurch University Center project will seek LEED silver certification. Skanska is collaborating on the building with Perkins + Will, Franck & Lohsen Architects, Draper Aden & Associates, Integral Group, Stewart Engineering and HG Design Studio.