Charlottesville City Council has deferred the Jefferson Scholars Foundation's request for a $21 million revenue bond to build a graduate student center and office facility, citing an interest in preserving the city's architectural history.
In February, the foundation purchased property from the University on which to build the center; however, the plot of land is home to the former Beta Theta Pi fraternity house, previously known as the Compton House. This house has historical significance, according to Charlottesville Mayor David Brown?. The Beta House was commissioned to be built nearly a century ago by Robert Compton, a former doctor at the University Medical Center. His choice for architect was Eugene Bradbury, an active and well-known architect in the Charlottesville area.
The Foundation's plans to potentially tear down the house as part of the construction prompted many residents to voice opposition, citing the house's architectural and historical significance.
"The City Council and city has an interest in [preserving] and maintaining our architectural history," Brown said, noting that other houses designed by Bradbury are considered historical structures. "We would like to see if it is possible if they [the Jefferson Scholars Foundation can] preserve the house."
In June, Council, along with the Albemarle County Industrial Development Authority and the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, agreed upon an $18 million budget for the foundation's proposed project, according to Jefferson Scholars Foundation President James Wright.
After further research, Wright said he came to the conclusion that the foundation would need $21 million to finance the project.
By this time, however, Council had received word that the foundation might demolish the Beta House to build the center, according to Brown. This is the reason the revenue bond was deferred late Monday night at Council's meeting, though the plan received by City Council did not specify the future of Beta House.
Brown said he expects the foundation to return with a detailed assessment of the project describing whether it plans to demolish the house. He added that while Council would strongly prefer to maintain the historic building, it is willing to consider demolition provided that the foundation returns with a thought-out and rational explanation as to why it must be torn down.
"I think the Jefferson Scholars Foundation is a great program, and we want clarity and hopefully they intend to preserve and do diligence to preserve [the Beta House]," he said.
Wright said the Jefferson Scholar Foundation's proposed graduate center plan does not necessarily include demolishing the Beta House.
"We have not finally determined a solution," he said, adding, that the demolition of the house is an option.
The center would be a place where students could do research, present lectures and share knowledge, according to Wright.
"We are intent on creating a facility on that property which allows our best to accomplish our mission," Wright said, noting that the center could help the foundation attract high-caliber graduate students.
"We think that what we are doing is positive, and I do believe that ultimately everyone will come to the same conclusion," he said.
As for the future, Wright said he plans to continue to analyze exactly what must be done to provide a graduate student facility, whether it be demolition or preservation of the Beta House.
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