The Facility Development Department hopes to convert the current Free Speech Alley into its vision of a new Free Speech Plaza this summer.
Pending approval from the Facility Design and Development Committee, the University plans to convert the current hot spot for student life into a more workable and accessible area, said Emmett David, Facility Development associate director.
David presented the idea to the Student Senate at its Feb. 26 meeting because he wanted students to be the first ones to hear and see the ideas and offer feedback.
The proposed renovations will include adding a small terrazzo plaza — similar to the ground floor outside of the Union bookstore — in the center of the grassy triangular area at the corner of Raphael Semmes and Tower Drives between the Union and the Parade Ground.
“The existing Raphael Semmes curb to the Union Theater will be enhanced to provide a more pedestrian-friendly environment in a spectacular Free Speech Alley forum,” David said.
David said the plaza will be both a more attractive and more efficient gathering area than the current Free Speech Alley.
One of the main reasons for the renovations to this area is the current problems with disability access. David said when large crowds gather on Free Speech Alley, the ramp at the front of the Union often is inconveniently blocked from students with disabilities.
Chancellor Mark Emmert agreed disability access is one of the biggest problems with this area of campus.
As part of the project, David said Facility Development hopes to rework the area between David Boyd Hall and Coates Hall to create a better walkway for students coming from the Quad to the Union area.
“In an effort to revitalize the three live oaks on the south side of David Boyd Hall, the drive and some parking may be eliminated,” David said.
David said the project initially came about when Emmert asked him to find an alternative way to block off the road for pedestrians. Currently, yellow chains block this area during the day.
Emmert said he would like to see this area become more inviting.
Emmert met with David Wednesday and voiced his personal approval of the plans. Emmert’s only reservation is the design’s compliance to the campus Master Plan, but David said the design was made to work with both the Master Plan and the proposed Union renovation plan.
The current plans include replacing the yellow chains with architectural pipe bollards, similar to those protecting the campus’ oak trees. David said these pipe bollards are different, though, because these can rise and retract into the street by way of a manual lever.
David said the estimated cost for the project is $348,000, and the money will come from the Enhancing the Core fund and the Union’s operating budget.
Student Government President Darrell Broussard said the funds for the renovation will in no way be connected to the proposed addition to the student Union fee, which students will vote on in the April elections.