Village Hall Bridging Phase I

Laying the foundation for JMU’s Village Area redevelopment
Colman Engineering, in collaboration with an architectural design team, developed civil site design bridging documents for Phase I of JMU’s Village Area Redevelopment, covering approximately 3.5 acres. This Division of Engineering and Buildings (DEB) project required meticulous planning and close coordination with the architect to meet a tight timeline.
The project began with a detailed topographic survey to map existing site features and utilities, providing a comprehensive base for design. Colman Engineering supported site programming and conceptual planning, which evolved into schematic designs addressing site layout, grading, drainage, stormwater management, and utility connections. The project involved coordinating multiple utilities and providers, including city water, HEC, JMU telecom, external historical telecom systems, steam lines, and sewer connections. A significant component included rerouting a city water line in coordination with city officials to optimize the site layout.
The deliverables included a 60% complete civil site plan and construction specifications, offering clear guidance for the next phases of redevelopment. These bridging documents facilitated the design-build phase of the project, ensuring a seamless transition to final design and construction while supporting JMU’s long-term campus enhancement goals.
Location
Harrisonburg, VA
Client
James Madison University
Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are here because they want to pursue knowledge and make teaching their No. 1 priority.