UR Law School completes $27.5M renovation project

The University of Richmond School of Law has completed a major renovation project that included the creation of more study spaces, a green roof, and a renovation of the moot court room.

The $27.5 million project began in early 2021 and was completed on schedule for the fall 2024 semester, according to university officials. The renovation project aimed to enhance functionality and accessibility in the building and improve spaces for students.

A key addition was the creation of an open "town square" to serve as the community hub for the building, offering a place for students, faculty, and staff to relax and interact. The renovation project also included the upgrading of classrooms, as well as the relocation to the law school of clinics and offices housed in a different building.

"Most of our 420 law students commute to our campus and spend their entire day, day after day, in the law school," said UR School of Law Dean Wendy Perdue. "We are delighted to have created a space that is more inviting, pleasant, and accommodating for not only our students but our faculty, staff, and visitors."

The first-of-its-kind green roof on the top of the building is made up of about 700 square feet of sedum, a drought-resistant succulent. The roof is expected to reduce the need for air conditioning in the summer, provide insulation in the winter and reduce the surface runoff of rainwater. The renovation of the Moot Court Room enhanced a space in which students participate in mock trials and other court-like activities.