Historic Section of UF Campus to be Torn Up

[Tolbert1906]

I am not really much of an environmentalist, but this really bugs me. Plans are under way for the construction of a new building in the heavily-wooded northeast section of the UF Campus Historic District (at the intersection of University and 13th). The new business building will be called Heavener Hall and will be attached to the existing historic Bryan Hall.
http://www.facilities.ufl.edu/projec...t.php?prj=8925

Construction would involve cutting down up to 100 mature trees or so. From what I have seen of the plans for the building, it also looks as if the iconic "UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA" sign will be removed and replaced with some sort of entrance plaza featuring sculptures of alligators.


http://www.gainesville.com/article/2...CLES/120519564
http://www.alligator.org/news/campus...tml?mode=story

That corner of campus is a defining feature of the University. It's one of the really gorgeous sections of campus in my opinion (mainly because of the trees and the old gothic buildings like Bryan and Anderson Halls). The Historic District is supposed to be a protected area, but here they go throwing in yet another building... making things even more crowded and further reducing the tree canopy at UF. Anyone else bummed by this? Build it somewhere else.

[Lawdog88]

With you Tolbert.

That sucks big time.

I'll sign a petition.

[vertigo0923]

no no no no no no no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they can't!!!!!!! it's such a beautiful campus, especially the old school. it's always been beautiful. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[oragator1]

If there are no trees or open spaces left on campus, it loses it's charm. At some point they need to build up and not out, and that spot is the perfect welcome for the campus, a building sitting there would wreck that.

[vertigo0923]

its more than that even. it's beautiful, it's 'old florida', it's peaceful, and they need to leave it the f'k alone!!!!!

[BLING]

Sucks to lose green-space and mature trees - that is a pretty nice little area for business/finance/accounting students to hang. Are they taking down any actual historic buildings?

I can't say I'm too worried about losing that sign though. Just the trees and shaded areas are a shame to lose.

[g8orbill]

time stands still for no one or no thing-while it is sad-obviously it is needed

[Row6]

I would normally be sympathetic to opposing such a move, but not sure on this one. In my experience that corner is not popular public hangout, and while the sign has been there a while it is pretty non-descript, serving mostly as a backdrop for Hare Krishnas and political protestors congregating on the sidewalk in front. The devil will be in the design and execution, and indeed now could be a nightmare. The sign with cute gators does not inspire confidence.

[PSGator66]

That sucks! I always liked that corner as an entrance to the campus.

[BobK89]

Used to see a lot of business majors sitting under the trees there eating Burrito Brothers (back when it was on 13th St.). Hate to see that go away.

[92gator]

Originally Posted by vertigo0923

its more than that even. it's beautiful, it's 'old florida', it's peaceful, and they need to leave it the f'k alone!!!!!

This.

[cocodrilo]

Next they should build an indoor practice facility on the Plaza of the Americas.

[rivergator]

I like seeing the trees and grass there at the signature corner of campus rather than a big brick wall.

[gatornana]

Originally Posted by vertigo0923

its more than that even. it's beautiful, it's 'old florida', it's peaceful, and they need to leave it the f'k alone!!!!!

Ditto! I can't believe they're doing this!

[brainstorm]

Totally sucks.

[gator923]

There will be a whole heckuva lot more development along University over the next decade.

There are plans in place to buy a ton more property east of 13th st as well. Where Santa Fe ends and UF begins is about to seamlessly blend together.

[northgagator]

Didn't use to show movies and put on concerts in that area?

[gatorev12]

Count me in the camp that thinks this is a bad idea. Florida has a massive campus with ample room for any construction needs and I see no need for a new building in that area.

[wgbgator]

Of course it had to be the business school that's doing this.

Not only does it suck, its a teachable example of $ vs. the enviroment.

[cocodrilo]

Isn't there a vacant lot now across the street (where Goering's Bookstore, Burrito Brothers etc. used to be)? Why not buy it and put their building there? Good for the environment too. Vacant lots are ugly.