University of Virginia Considers Historic Oak Lawn Transfer to Schools
The University of Virginia (UVA) is evaluating the transfer of the historic Oak Lawn estate to the Charlottesville City Schools for a nominal fee. This decision will be addressed during the Board of Visitors meeting this week, impacting one of the largest tracts of land in the area, which holds significant historical ties to UVA founder Thomas Jefferson.
Located on five acres in the Fifeville neighborhood, Oak Lawn was acquired by UVA in October 2023 for $3.5 million. Initially, the university planned to utilize the property for its health system, but recent developments suggest a shift towards collaboration with local educational authorities. The proposal comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s decision in February 2025 to award the Federal Executive Institute to UVA, a move that sparked controversy and protests from local educators.
During a meeting scheduled for this week, the Board of Visitors will discuss an agenda item titled “Lease of the Oak Lawn Property to the City of Charlottesville or Affiliated Entity.” The summary of this agenda indicates that the city schools are seeking additional property to expand their administrative offices and services for students. According to the proposal, the university aims to enter into a long-term lease with the city, allowing for a future transfer of ownership.
Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Royal Gurley expressed optimism regarding this potential partnership, stating, “This is an exciting possibility for our school system, and an example of how the university, the city, and the schools can collaborate to make our community better.” Gurley emphasized the importance of community engagement, especially after the loss of the Federal Executive Institute property, which the school division had hoped to use for preschool programs and administrative functions.
The Oak Lawn estate, originally built in 1822 by the contractor James Dinsmore, is notable for its architectural significance and historical connections. Dinsmore, who collaborated with Jefferson on several projects, designed the house in the style of Jeffersonian Palladianism, featuring red brick exteriors and an emphasis on symmetry.
The proposed terms for the lease state that the property would revert to UVA upon lease termination, with the university retaining rights to reacquire the estate if deemed surplus by the school division. Furthermore, the school division would be required to maintain the historic features of the site. Gurley envisions using the Oak Lawn estate to support early childhood education, alternative learning, and career and technical education, similar to the intended use for the Federal Executive Institute.
As the university and the school division explore this partnership, it represents a significant opportunity to enhance educational resources in the community while preserving a vital piece of local history. The outcome of the Board of Visitors’ decision this week could reshape the future of Oak Lawn and its role in Charlottesville’s educational landscape.
