VCU Taps Alum for Construction Project
By Norm Miller
Virginia Commonwealth University
marked the grand reopening of its newly
refurbished Hunton Student Center for the
Medical College of Virginia Jan. 24 with
a celebration and dedication ceremony at-
tended by more than 200 people, including
staff, faculty, guests and Kenneth J. Jones
— VCU alumnus and President of Prestige
Construction Group, Incorporated of
Richmond — who oversaw and completed
the renovation.
The center is a “special place for VCU
— a unique and historical building,” said
VCU President Eugene P. Trani. “The
renovations have brought new life to this
facility while preserving our greatness as
an institution.”
George W. Burke III, President of
MCV’s Alumni Association, said the proj-
ect represented the association’s renewed
commitment to be more actively involved
in improving student life. improvements and code compliance, and also Bon Secours. “But the repeat
The Alumni Association joined the all while maintaining meticulous atten- business from VCU makes the institution
MCV Foundation in collectively contrib- tion to the historicity of the site, which our best client.”
uting $1 million to the project. is listed on both the National Register Honoring the Hunton Center’s historical
Burke noted the permanent history ex- of Historic Places and the Virginia importance provided one set of challenges,
hibit that is part of the new center, saying Landmarks Register. Jones said. And satisfying the Bureau of
it’s meaningful to all alumni — past and In 1841, First Baptist Church of Capital Outlay Management (BCOM)
future graduates of the health sciences Richmond built the original edifice, which requirements was another.
schools of VCU — because it illuminates a was designed by Thomas U. Walter, de- BCOM fulfills a legislatively mandated
long and proud continuing tradition. signer of the Capitol Dome in Washington, role regarding state buildings. Among
“This is the story of individuals who rose DC. Refurbishments preserved some of other responsibilities, BCOM enforces
to great heights,” he said, gesturing toward the building’s historical features such as Virginia’s uniform statewide building code
the display. “They all started like you and original church pews, staircases and ceil- to assure compliance with life safety and
me, with a hope and desire to do well.” ing medallions. code requirements in design and construc-
The $6 million renovation located at Hunton Hall is named in honor of Eppa tion, and develops policies, procedures,
12th and Broad streets transformed 25,000 Hunton Jr. and his son, Eppa Hunton standards, forms and other documents for
square feet into the first student commons IV, two men who served MCV and VCU the procurement of professional and con-
for MCV’s campus, which includes a learn- in various capacities with distinction struction services by state agencies.
ing resource center, study space, computer for many years. Eppa Hunton V repre- Saying that Prestige has “several superin-
stations, offices for student government sented his father and grandfather at the tendents who are very capable” and who have
and student affairs staff, meeting rooms, a ceremony. extensive experience in medical construction,
dining service facility and a TV lounge. Jones, founder of Prestige Construction, Jones believes his company is well-equipped
Other upgrades included general facil- told M.D. News that his firm has completed for any project in that field. “We’ve been doing
ity improvements, mechanical system several construction projects for VCU, this for 17 years,” he said.
10 | RICHMOND TRI-CITIES M.D. NEWS MARCH/APRIL 2008
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3