Benedictine Schools of Richmond Master Plan

Situated along the James River in Goochland County, the Benedictine Schools of Richmond campus serves two independent high schools—Benedictine College Preparatory and St. Gertrude High School. As enrollment grows and campus needs evolve, the Schools partnered with HKS and Fall Line to establish a long-term vision for one of the region’s premier educational campuses.

Spanning eight to nine phases, the master plan organizes future academic buildings, athletics, student life, and campus infrastructure into a cohesive framework for growth. Major elements include a new Benedictine academic building, middle school, church, abbey, football stadium, baseball complex, visitor center, alumni hall, and expanded athletic facilities, all integrated into a unified campus.

The plan fundamentally reimagines the campus by shifting vehicular circulation to the perimeter, allowing the core to become a pedestrian-first network of walkways, gathering spaces, event lawns, stormwater gardens, and restored connections to the James River. These spaces foster daily student life while strengthening institutional traditions and alumni engagement.

At the heart of the campus, a new church and football complex establish the symbolic center of school life. A ceremonial lawn between the church and new Benedictine academic building celebrates the school’s military traditions while accommodating parades, ceremonies, and community events. The campus is equally focused on the alumni experience—particularly on football game days—creating gathering spaces and pedestrian connections that encourage meaningful interaction between alumni, students, families, and visitors.

Rather than simply planning future buildings, the Benedictine Master Plan establishes a lasting framework for campus life that honors the schools’ heritage through a resilient, pedestrian-centered campus designed to serve generations to come.