Charlottesville, VA… April 21, 2026… Rivanna Authorities, in partnership with Martin Horn Construction and Short Elliott Hendrickson Engineers, hosted a Topping Out Ceremony on Tuesday, April 21, to celebrate a major milestone in the construction of its administration building renovation and expansion. The ceremony centered on the placement of the final steel beam. Members of the media were invited to attend and capture the significant moment in the project’s progress.
The ceremony included an opportunity for board members, staff, and construction workers to sign the final beam before it was hoisted into place, commemorating their contributions to the organization and the project. Remarks were delivered by Mike Gaffney, Rivanna’s Board of Directors Chairman, Bill Mawyer, Rivanna’s Executive Director, and Josh Horton with Martin Horn. Remarks highlighted the importance of the administration building renovation and its expansion for the organization’s future.
Formal remarks were scheduled for 11:30 a.m., with the final beam being lifted into place at 11:50 a.m.
Originally constructed in 1977, the existing facility has long served as the headquarters for both the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) and the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority (RSWA). Designed to accommodate 26 staff positions, the building has historically supported administrative offices, board and public meetings, and the Authority’s laboratory operations.
The 12,850-square-foot renovation and 21,805-square-foot addition will significantly modernize and enhance operations. Upon completion, the facility will support a growing workforce of up to 68 staff members, allowing the engineering department to transfer from temporary trailers into the main building. The new state-of-the-art laboratory will ensure the safety of drinking water and the effectiveness of wastewater treatment processes through more than 7,700 tests annually.
Additional features of the upgraded facility include a new education center and classroom for K-12, college, and community visitors, a rooftop solar array, and a green roof planted with low-growing, mat-forming perennials, reinforcing Rivanna Authorities’ commitment to sustainability.
A New Space for Curiosity and Discovery
A noteworthy component of the project is the creation of a new education center. This 1,870-square-foot space will serve as an interactive hub for K–12, college students, and community members, offering hands-on learning experiences focused on water and wastewater treatment, recycling, and environmental sustainability.
The center will feature engaging exhibits and interactive displays designed to deepen public understanding of essential environmental systems. An adjacent classroom will support live demonstrations and laboratory exercises, complementing Rivanna Authorities’ existing public tour program. Learn more about the future learning space at https://rivannawater.org/design-efforts-underway-for-new-education-center/