Big landscape changes are underway in the heart of campus.\u00a0\u00a0 Construction has begun on:\u00a0 a series of sloped sidewalks and steps with handrails on Cardiac Hill from Heritage Plaza to Oak Street; an accessible walkway to extend from Vine to Oak; and a new location for the Student Park.\u00a0 It will be nestled close to the Crossroads dining facility in Guerry Center.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project will put in place one of the most transformational changes to the campus in our history,\u201d said Janet Spraker, Director of Engineering Services at UTC.\u00a0 \u201cIt was initiated as the second phase of the Pedestrian Mall along what used to be Baldwin Street through campus.\u00a0 The first phase was completed in 2007 when a pedestrian gateway entrance at East 5th<\/sup> between the UC and Holt was built with sidewalks, legacy trees and new lighting leading to Heritage Plaza on Vine Street.\u201d<\/p>\n The relocation of the Student Park will incorporate the current fountain and inscribed bricks.\u00a0 New tables will be added.<\/p>\n Among the 82 new trees planned for the area, 14 different varieties will be represented to add more species, in support of our arboretum classification.<\/p>\n \u201cThough some trees had to be removed to install the new accessible pathway, the existing campus tree stock will increase considerably.\u00a0Most other trees in the site are being protected and some relocated as part of the finished plan,\u201d Spraker explained.<\/p>\n The Chamberlain Pavilion, an open-air structure, will serve as the centerpiece for new gathering areas and venues.<\/p>\n Pedestrians are using a temporary walkway to bypass the construction, which is scheduled for completion in summer 2013.<\/p>\n The facilities fee will pay the debt service for the project.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Big landscape changes are underway in the heart of campus.\u00a0\u00a0 Construction has begun on:\u00a0 a series of sloped sidewalks and steps with handrails on Cardiac Hill from Heritage Plaza to Oak Street; an accessible walkway to extend from Vine to Oak; and a new location for the Student Park.\u00a0 It will be nestled close to… <\/p>\n