The University of Virginia is planning to construct the $80 million Karsh Institute of Democracy in Charlottesville. The vibrant 69,320-sf facility will offer an ecosystem of spaces for the exploration and enhancement of democratic culture, laws, and institutions. Featuring a 425-seat auditorium that can globally broadcast in-person events, the four-story structure will also include classrooms, research venues, meeting rooms, offices, and a media production suite. A welcoming lobby with a spiral staircase will act as a dynamic nexus of community activity. The Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy will occupy approximately 17,500 sf in the development, which will be linked by a green corridor to the School of Data Science, which is currently under construction.
Höweler + Yoon and Hanbury are designing the highly sustainable project to achieve LEED Platinum certification. Completion is expected in summer of 2026.
