Date: November 17, 2021
Normally when the Board votes to approve a construction design, the next step is to implement that design. Back in 2020, the Board voted on both the design and the funding for the renovation of the Welcome Center. The plan was that the moment that the Library moved out, the work on the Welcome Center would begin. But with the installation of “Saints and Stories” wall commemorating the history of VTS on the lower level of the Addison Academic building, a feeling emerged that perhaps we didn’t really need the same information shared in the new Welcome Center. In addition, there was this sense that it would be good to have a flexible space that could serve a variety of purposes. These two considerations prompted us to go to the Board and ask for an opportunity to come back with new designs in February 2022. The Board agreed to let us do this.
The Welcome Center remains a pivotal building. It is the only building facing outwards. Upon arrival, the signature themes of the Seminary are apparent – with the Chapel on one side, we affirm love of God, with the Welcome Center on the other side, we affirm love of neighbor. The interior does need to include some visible celebration of our work on this campus. However, the rest of the design can be flexible.
So, we invite you to put your thinking caps on. What do you think we should do with the Welcome Center? How do we create a flexible space that can also be a solid introduction for guests to Virginia Theological Seminary?
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President