University of Richmond Burying Grounds
Richmond, Virginia
Team Henry Enterprises was honored to construct the University of Richmond Burying Grounds Memorial Garden, a meaningful tribute to honor the final resting place of individuals once enslaved on university property. This out-of-the-ground memorial garden not only preserves the sanctity of the burial sites but also provides a serene space for reflection and remembrance.
Client
University of Richmond
Amount
$3,000,000
Architect
Baskervill
Completion Date
April 2025
AWARD WINNER
2025 Golden Hammer Award
presented by Historic Richmond
in the CONTEXTUAL DESIGN Category
2025 Award of Honor
presented by AIA Virginia
AWARD WINNER
Amy Howard, Associate Provost at the University of Richmond, shares how Team Henry went beyond construction on the Burying Ground Memorial — creating a moment of connection and remembrance that will last for generations.
“Team Henry came up with the idea to have a laying a stone event to invite descendants to sign the inside of the final granite stone that was going to be laid down in the memorial… It was a really special day, and I was so appreciative of Team Henry for thinking to do this.”
The project presented a unique challenge: developing and executing a construction plan that ensured the burial sites were not further disturbed, while creating a one-of-a-kind cultural landmark. The result is a meticulously crafted memorial featuring over a million dollars’ worth of custom-fabricated granite blocks, hand-finished with intricate carvings, and over a quarter-million dollars of custom bronze elements. These elements were engineered and fabricated by a locally-owned business in Richmond’s Manchester neighborhood.
This project exemplifies Team Henry’s commitment to preserving history, honoring cultural heritage, and executing complex, high-profile projects with care and precision.