Thousands of students and faculty pass through McCormick Road, the central core of the University of Virginia (UVA), every day on their way to and from classes. Whether arriving on foot, bicycle, scooter or UTS bus, they move through one of the most unconsidered areas on UVA Grounds. A nexus between a street and a pedestrian precinct, on the edge between a ridge and a valley, this 1⁄2 acre site offers few clues that it is the largest, busiest entrance into the historic center of campus. The 12 feet grade change from McCormick Road to the sidewalk leading towards the Lawn is a residual space of lumpy slopes, single-use sidewalks and stairs, and an unnecessarily wide service drive.
