Purpose
Master planning is essential for higher education institutions. Mary Washington’s last master plan guided campus development from the late 1990s through the first decade of this millennium. The current effort will inform Mary Washington’s development over the next 10 to 15 years. Another reason for master planning is to remain on par with our peer institutions. In order to continue to attract top-notch students, UMW needs to stay abreast of prospective students’ expectations. Rather than approach campus growth and improvement haphazardly, the master plan provides a framework that will accomplish several vital goals:
- Establish a direction for facilities growth and renewal
- Maintain the architectural integrity of the campus
- Define campus boundaries and points of entry
- Reinforce the pedestrian character of the campus
- Enhance the green space and quality of landscaping
- Improve campus navigation and parking
The purpose of the master plan is not to identify facilities for demolition but rather to assess each building’s ability to support critical campus functions over a finite period of time. If buildings are deemed inadequate, a range of options is explored, from renovation to replacement. If replacement is regarded as the most appropriate step, maintaining the existing architecture is a paramount consideration.
Master Planning is an ongoing process; as the University’s needs change so will the Master Plan.