The Farmville Town Council voted for the closure of a section of Buffalo Street during the construction of a new admissions building at Longwood University that is set to be constructed following the university’s graduation commencements in May.

The approximately 20,000 square foot building will be two stories and located at Bicentennial Park across from Longwood’s Ruffner Hall at the intersections of High, St. George and Buffalo streets.

The building will replace the admission building’s former location on Crafts Lot, located off Buffalo Street.

Town Manager Gerald Spates said during the Wednesday council meeting that the section of Buffalo Street, off High Street and before St. George Street, adjacent to Johns Memorial Episcopal Church, would be closed during the construction period of the admissions building, which will be approximately 14 months. He noted that the church agreed to the option.

“I think once this project’s finished, I would suggest to the council that we look at making Buffalo Street one way going toward St. George, and that would eliminate that issue you have with Randolph and High Street trying to get out on High Street,” Spates said.

Vice Mayor A.D. “Chuckie” Reid asked Spates if the Craft House would be the only building that would be taken down as a result of the construction.

Spates confirmed it would be the only building demolished. He noted that two houses in the area of Randolph Street would remain in place.

Ward E Councilmember J. J. “Jamie” Davis asked whether a decision would need to be made regarding making the section of Buffalo Street a one-way street.

“The street is going to be closed for 14 months,” Spates said. “It won’t be able to be used, so we’ll have plenty of time.”

The admissions office currently operates in Lancaster Hall. Crafts Lot is vacant, Longwood Associate Vice President of Campus Planning and Construction Louise Waller noted in a previous Herald report.

Glavé & Holmes Architecture, based in Richmond, is the engineer for the location.