Last updated: 7/29/2026
Overview
What changes are coming to the MCV Campus?
Two major construction projects — a new School of Dentistry building and a proposed VCU Health inpatient tower — make it necessary to relocate certain offices, resources and services.
Buildings and programs affected include:
- Hunton Student Center
- Health Sciences Library
- Jonah L. Larrick Student Center
- MCV Campus Recreation Center
- MCV Campus Bookstore
Why are these changes necessary?
The School of Dentistry building, a five-story 314,000-square-foot School of Dentistry facility with classrooms, academic offices, laboratories, and clinics for predoctoral, dental hygiene and specialty dentistry programs, will be built at the current site of the Jonah L. Larrick Student Center. Larrick is currently planned for demolition in spring 2027.
Ahead of Larrick’s demolition, the MCV Campus Recreation Center in Larrick will be relocated and Jonah’s Express and Starbucks in Larrick will close in spring 2027. The recreation center will move to the current MCV Campus Bookstore location, and is planned to reopen in summer 2027.
The proposed VCU Health inpatient tower is critically needed to significantly increase VCU Health’s capacity to serve patients and improve the care environment.
As a result of this proposed project, the Health Sciences Library is moving into the former Hunton Student Center, which closed in May 2026 and no longer serves as a student center. Certain offices and resources that were previously available in Hunton Student Center have moved to the VMI Building.
During this transition, VCU is committed to supporting students, staff and faculty and will work closely with campus partners to provide accurate, timely information.
When will these changes occur?
The estimated timeline of various MCV Campus changes is as follows:
- Hunton Student Center relocated to VMI building (July 2026)
- MCV Campus Recreation Center closes in Larrick Student Center (December 2026)
- Health Sciences Library closes temporarily for 4-6 weeks (spring 2027)
- Larrick Student Center demolition begins (spring 2027)
- MCV Campus Recreation Center reopens (summer 2027)
Hunton Student Center
Why is Hunton Student Center relocating?
Hunton Student Center at 1110 E. Broad St. closed in May 2026. Its closure is necessary to accommodate relocated services and upcoming construction projects on the MCV Campus.
Where are Hunton’s offices and resources relocating?
Graduate and Professional Student Initiatives (Division of Student Affairs) and the Suit Yourself Closet (VCU Career Services) relocated to the VMI Building at 1000 E. Marshall St. in mid-July.
Health Sciences Library
Why is the Health Sciences Library moving?
The library is relocating to make space for a proposed VCU Health inpatient tower, which will expand patient capacity and improve care environments.
Where will the library be located during the transition?
It will move into the renovated Hunton Student Center space during the 2026-27 academic year.
What features will the temporary library space include?
The renovated Hunton space will include:
- First-floor study space and a makerspace
- Second- and third-floor study areas
- Workspace for library staff
What is the timeline for the library move?
A firm renovation timeline is not set. The current location will close for 4-6 weeks to move materials and staff. The library is expected to be fully operational at Hunton by summer 2027.
Where can I study during this transition
In addition to study spaces in the relocated Health Sciences Library, James Branch Cabell Library on the Monroe Park campus has ample study space, including more than 50 study rooms that may be reserved online. All graduate students also have key card access to the Graduate Student and Faculty Reading Room on Cabell’s fourth floor. Cabell Hours can be found here.
VCU’s RamsXpress provides convenient point‑to‑point shuttle service between campuses Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with travel times of 10-15 minutes. The Monroe Park Campus stop is located outside Cabell Library and the MCV Campus is located outside Larrick Student Center.
Will print materials remain available?
Yes. In early 2027, most print materials will move to offsite storage at the State Records Center. As materials are processed into the offsite storage, there will be a period of time when they are unavailable. During this time, these low use print materials may be requested through interlibrary loans. After processing is complete, items can be requested online and delivered to Cabell Library or the Health Sciences Library. Frequently used materials will remain onsite at Hunton.
Will digital materials and research support remain available?
Yes. Throughout the moving process, all VCU Libraries’ digital resources will be available around the clock for use in classrooms and clinical settings. Reference and research consultation and instruction will be offered throughout the transition.
Where can I find more information about the Health Sciences Library move?
VCU Libraries is providing more information about building moves and changes here.
Jonah L. Larrick Student Center
Why is Larrick being demolished?
Larrick will be demolished in spring 2027 to make way for a new five‑story, 314,000‑sq‑ft School of Dentistry building featuring classrooms, labs, clinics, and academic offices. More details about this project may be found here.
When will the MCV Campus Recreation Center close?
The indoor recreation facility at Larrick will temporarily close in December 2026.
Where will the recreation center be relocated?
It will move to 610 N. 10th St., the current MCV Campus Bookstore location, and is planned to reopen in summer 2027.
Will recreation services be available during the spring semester?
Recreation services will not be available on the MCV Campus during spring 2027 but will resume in summer 2027. Students may continue using Cary St. Gym on the Monroe Park Campus.
VCU’s RamsXpress provides convenient point‑to‑point shuttle service between campuses Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with travel times of 10-15 minutes.
What amenities will the new fitness center include?
The new 3,000‑sq‑ft facility will include:
- Cardio and weight equipment
- Functional fitness space
- Cabana-style restrooms and showers
- Personal training and small group training programs
What will happen to Jonah’s Express and Starbucks?
Both locations will close in spring 2027 due to the demolition of Larrick. VCU is exploring interim food options for MCV Campus students.
MCV Campus Bookstore
Where will the MCV Campus Bookstore go?
A new bookstore location and timeline have not yet been determined. Barnes & Noble @ VCU on the Monroe Park Campus remains available.
How can students, staff and faculty travel between campuses?
RamsXpress provides point‑to‑point shuttle service between campuses Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with travel times of 10-15 minutes. The Monroe Park Campus stop is located outside Cabell Library and the MCV Campus is located outside Larrick Student Center.
Additional questions?
Who can students contact with questions about these changes?
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to supporting students throughout this transition and will work closely with campus partners to provide accurate, timely information. Students with questions are encouraged to reach out to the Division of Student Affairs at dsa@vcu.edu.