J. Murray Howard records-addition 3

Content Description

This addition to RG 31/9 (Facilities Management/ J Murray Howard records) contains printed records compiled by James Murray Howard, architect for the historic buildings and grounds at the University of Virginia from 1982 to 2002. The records range from 1970 to 2004, with the majority of content dating from Howard’s tenure at the University. The records include architectural drawings and reports on the Lawn Pavilions, Rotunda, academic buildings, dormitories, sports venues, hospital, libraries, and other buildings and facilities on Grounds. Also present is correspondence between Howard and contractors, facilities management staff, faculty, community members, and students. In his two decades as the architect for historic buildings, Howard oversaw the full restoration of the Academical Village’s Rotunda, Pavilion, Hotels, Range rooms, and Lawn rooms. The records compiled by Howard document the restoration process of University of Virginia buildings, chronicling them before, during, and after the restoration efforts. Among the records are architectural and engineering studies and drawings of building systems, archaeological records for unearthed findings, contracts, fire protection literature, alarm system information, academic articles on the history of University buildings, and personal notes authored by Howard at Board of Visitors meetings and conferences on historical architecture. Of special note is a section of content on the May 1997 Pavilion I balcony collapse, injuring 24 graduation spectators and killing one person. Howard’s records cover litigation of the incident as well as the restoration of Pavilion I that followed.

Acquisition Type

Transfer

Provenance

Transferred by Sarita Herman, Facilities Management,13 June 2025.

Language of Description

English

Script of Description

Latin

Restrictions Apply

Yes

Access Restrictions

Archivist review required. Original digital media (floppy disk, CD) cannot be handled directly by patrons. Appointments must be made to request these items. Please use our online born-digital request form (https://library.virginia.edu/special-collections/born-digital) to request access to these materials for further information. 

Use Restrictions

This collection contains some in-copyright material. Visit our Permissions and Publishing page for more information about use of Special Collections materials. The library can provide copyright information upon request, but users are responsible for making their own determination about lawful use of collections materials.