The Hunter Smith Band Building is a two-story on a site bounded by Culbreth Road, the Buckingham Branch Railroad and adjacent to the recently completed Ruffin Hall. The Culbreth Road Parking Garage is located to the immediate west. The new facility contains a 4,000 square feet rehearsal room and an additional 1,800 square feet of additional multi-purpose practice and teaching areas. Instrument storage and administrative space make up the balance of this 16,400 square feet project.

The building utilizes load bearing masonry as its principal structural system. The exterior facade consists of brick and curtainwall in order to resemble the nature of Ruffin Hall and the Culbreth Theatre. Copper clad roof elements are reminiscent of the pitched skylight elements utilized on Ruffin Hall. Landscaping is a small part of the overall scope; however, a small finely detailed plaza adorns the building’s entry. In addition, the Rehearsal Hall anchors the eastern boundary of the Arts Grounds landscape masterplan project, currently in conceptual design.

UVA’s Marching Band currently occupies temporary spaces in University Hall and does not have dedicated indoor practice facilities in the event of inclement weather. The new building will provide the Marching Band with a permanent home within walking distance to the Carr’s Hill practice field and Band Storage Facility. The new facility will provide a unique combination of spaces that can accommodate the entire band, smaller instrument section rehearsals or host band ensemble practice. All rehearsal areas will receive an appropriate level of sound attenuation design. As the Marching Band’s new home, the building will also serve as a unique gathering space for family, friends, and alumni during the very active football and basketball seasons.