A new 52,000-square-foot academic and training building is now under construction for the New College Institute (NCI) in Martinsville, Virginia. Located on a historic downtown block, the building is the first new building to be built specifically for NCI's campus. Dewberry is serving as the architect and engineer for the project, while New Atlantic Contracting, Inc. is the general contractor.

The three-story building will accommodate expanded NCI educational programs focusing on advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. The central, highly visible site was formerly the setting for the practice of Dr. Dana O. Baldwin, a local philanthropist, civic leader and physician who practiced for decades during the early 20th century and helped establish the area's first hospital for African Americans. Baldwin was also the first African-American doctor to volunteer his services in World War I.

The building will feature academic teaching and training space, laboratories, offices, advanced manufacturing space, and a grand lecture hall for NCI and community events.

"Dewberry has captured the essence of NCI's desire to create modern, high-tech academic learning space in a historically significant place where a community once worked and gathered together," says NCI Executive Director William C. Wampler, Jr. "We believe the design is the right fit for this building's role in reviving community activity."

Funding for the $15-million project is being supported by the Harvest Foundation, a private foundation serving Martinsville and Henry County; the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification Commission; EDA, CDBG, and ARC funding; and additional private financial gifts.