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Growing Grounds

When looking at the architecture around Grounds, it’s evident that as the University has grown, so have its buildings—its stadiums, dormitories, academic buildings and libraries. Here’s a look at how some of the buildings on Grounds—old and new—measure up to each other.

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GSF = Gross square footage represents the sum of all areas on all floors of a building included within the outside faces of exterior walls. The measurement also incorporates circulation and shaft areas that connect one floor to another.

Basketball Stadiums

Memorial Gymnasium (1925)
77,065 gsf.
John Paul Jones Arena (2006)
370,024 gsf.

Dormitories

Bonnycastle (1955)
37,800 gsf.
Shannon House (2012)
67,100 gsf.

Hospitals

Old Hospital (1903, 1960)
239,596 gsf.
University Hospital (1989)
876,114 gsf.

Libraries

The Rotunda (1826)
38,763 gsf.
Alderman Library (1938)
301,103 gsf.

Academic Buildings

Old Cabell (1896)
66,506 gsf.
New Cabell (1952)
159,129 gsf.

Largest/Smallest

University Hospital (1989)
876,114 gsf.
Crackerbox (1826)
700 gsf.

Building Source: Office of the Architect for the University. Illustrations by Aaron Ashley.