Campus challenge: UL seeks to beautify, update facilities

[NewsCopy]

 Twenty-five acres.

When the university opened its doors on September 18, 1901, 100 students and eight faculty planted the seeds of the university to come on a single plot of 25 acres.

Now, more than a century later, those 25 acres are just a small part of the university's bustling 1,400-acre footprint. With 261 buildings and almost 4.2 million square feet, the university's physical influence reaches past the heart of Lafayette and into the surrounding communities.

But as the university forges ahead, the size of its ambition might prove insupportable by a campus a step behind its own intentions.



With a few steps through the doors of Griffin Hall, you can see the Advanced Computer Technology and Research Hall, UL's latest academic building, which houses the school's nationally-ranked computer science program.

The rest of the story

Cody Daigle • cdaigle@theadvertiser.com • July 29, 2008

[DestinCajun]

Each week, The Daily Advertiser will feature issues UL faces as it transitions to a new administration.

Aug. 5: How high should UL be aiming for its athletics program?


Will this be written by a La'Stater?



Seriously, I can't wait to see the perspective and context. And, read it.

[anhil8tor]

I enjoy seeing all the positive news about UL.

[Zeebart21]

_ Each week, The Daily Advertiser will feature issues UL faces as it transitions to a new administration.

Aug. 5: How high should UL be aiming for its athletics program?


Will this be written by a La'Stater?



Seriously, I can't wait to see the perspective and context. And, read it. _

[Kal]

In the article it talks about Dr. S's cosmetic improvements and beautification of the school during his first two weeks. I'm glad to see it and I noticed something yesterday as I was passing on university. That fountain on university in front of Martin Hall was actually functioning for the first time in I'd say 15-20 years.

I think that's when it hit me that hey, this guy's going to get stuff that needs to be done done. He's not going to sit around and twiddle thumbs. He can see what needs to be done himself, he doesn't need a network of cronies whispering in his ear to put this on hold to get this done. I like this guy already.

But I do want to point out one thing. Our campus theme is oaks and red brick buildings. Personally don't find it that interesting but hey it works for us. My question is why do we have that fountain that is yellow brick in front of Martin Hall? There is also a yellow brick gateway structure at the corner of Johnston and University. Why? I think that should be added to the list of projects is making that match the rest of campus.

[Cajun Power]

But I do want to point out one thing. Our campus theme is oaks and red brick buildings. Personally don't find it that interesting but hey it works for us. My question is why do we have that fountain that is yellow brick in front of Martin Hall? There is also a yellow brick gateway structure at the corner of Johnston and University. Why? I think that should be added to the list of projects is making that match the rest of campus. _

My guess is that the fountain and yellow brick gateways match the original Martin Hall, which was torn down.

[DestinCajun]

_ _

Aug. 5: How high should UL be aiming for its athletics program?"

Given the timing, it could be a great lead off for all the things we want to see take place in UL athletics, especially football. Maybe a few encouraging words from our new president as well. I sure hope so. We'll see....

[HelmutVII]

_ My guess is that the fountain and yellow brick gateways match the original Martin Hall, which was torn down. _

Go to the head of the class. You are correct they are the original campus brick. You will also notice that all of the older buildings and the new buildings that have the correct Architecture have the same roof slope and are hipped AND have an arch over the entry doors that in some cases provide a vestibule. Some some buildings have coins at the corners while others don't. Madison Hall, Fletcher Hall and the student union complex are examples of absolute abominations and have no business being on campus.

The addition to Burke Hawthorne is of the correct architecture and after the addition is complete you probably won't be able to tell new from old on the outside.

[LuLu]

I, too, noticed the fountain working. Bravo! I also said to my spouse, "They should paint the brick to match the buildings on campus." Later I was thinking that the buildings that don't "fit" into the architecture of the campus should be removed or stuccoed over or something. Think: horrible Fletcher Hall, the Union Building, Coronna, Guillory and Oliver Hall. These are too modern and square. They aren't complementary to the campus. They don't match and should be worked on cosmetically or demolished as the boys dorms were.

When I was a student in the 60's, our campus was beautiful. It was not uncommon to see horticulture students tending to the flower beds around campus. The azaleas were beautiful in the spring. It was a beautiful place and would have won, "Prettiest Louisiana Campus". I will admit that Northwestern State was a very close second in the Pretty campus category. Within the last 20 years, the campus has deteriorated and is in some spots, an eye sore. Thank God for the oak trees. People are stunned with their presence and overlook the bad parts. I hope Dr. Savoie will return the campus to its beauty as I once knew it.