Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Longwood University Completes Work on Joan Perry Brock Center

  • By Matt Jones
  • 08/31/23

Longwood University in Farmville, Va., recently announced that construction work is complete on the Joan Perry Brock Center, according to a news release. The arena and convocation center measures in at 72,000 square feet, has a seating capacity of 3,020, and will play home to the university’s basketball program. It will also provide the campus with a large gathering space for academic and cultural events. The district partnered with Skanska USA for the facility’s construction.

The university and Skanska have worked together on a number or projects, including the construction of the 84,000-square-foot Upchurch University Center and ten new tennis courts. In recognition of the extended relationship, the university also announced that it will name the lobby of the new Joan Perry Brock Center in honor of Skanska.

“This achievement marks another milestone in Skanska’s longstanding partnership with Longwood University and reaffirms our commitment to excellence in construction and campus development,” said Mark Balling, executive vice president for Skanska’s Virginia and North Carolina building operations. “The naming of the lobby in Skanska’s honor serves as a testament to the trust and confidence placed in our team, and we look forward to future collaborations to bring more innovative projects to light.”

The university held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility on Friday, Aug. 25, in front of the building’s white façade, the news release reports. The building was designed to fit in with the surrounding Jeffersonian architecture in the historic corner of campus—both aesthetically and in terms of size.

“Our partnership with Skanska has been transformative,” said W. Taylor Reveley IV, Longwood University President. “The spaces they have constructed on campus are at the center of the residential academic experience, and are well-loved by students, staff, and visitors.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • University of Kansas Breaks Ground on Entrepreneurship Hub

    The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kan., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new KU Entrepreneurship Hub, according to university news. The Hub is part of the university’s School of Business and will include spaces for experiential learning and programming.

  • USC Launches Major AI Initiative After $200M Gift

    The University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif., recently announced that it has launched a “transformational” new AI initiative thanks to a $200M gift, according to a news release. The project will leverage AI toward breakthroughs and innovations in subjects like the health sciences, business, security, and the arts.