University Hall’s courtyards receiving makeover

January 10, 2013 | UToday
By Casey Cheap



Students, faculty and staff returning to UT’s Main Campus will notice University Hall’s twin courtyards have undergone extensive landscaping.

A crew from Blanchard Tree and Lawn of Holland, Ohio, started work on University Hall's east courtyard before the holidays.

A crew from Blanchard Tree and Lawn of Holland, Ohio, started work on University Hall’s east courtyard before the holidays.

The east courtyard is near completion; plants and other ornamentals will be added in the spring. Work on the west courtyard continues this week.

The landscaping is designed for a number of improvements, including more diverse plant life that is more environmentally sustainable and visually pleasing, according to Doug Collins, UT director of facilities maintenance and grounds.

“The designs of the two courtyards are uniquely different but reflect the ‘quad’ character common in schools like many classic Eastern colleges,” he said.

Collins added the stone paving overall has been reduced, but the walkways still provide necessary circulation for foot traffic.

Another goal of the work in the courtyards is to increase the biodiversity of plants and green space that will create a “more relaxed environment,” according to Collins.

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