New arts and education complex on the way

Work is beginning soon on the new Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts & Education Complex, which will be located east of Milton Bennion Hall and west of HPER West. The new building will house the College of Education and the Virginia Tanner Dance program. Construction is expected to begin in May with completion scheduled for Winter 2013/14.

In preparing for the project, several trees will be removed from the construction site. Most need to be eliminated due to required utility line replacements and upgrades, which are located under the trees along the west and south sides of the site. The remaining trees need to be removed due to site grading changes to accommodate functional drainage, poor condition of trees, or undesirability of species. None of the trees to be removed is considered a legacy tree or rare species, and several are suffering from disease or have been in declining health for some time.

For the Sorenson project, many of the replacement trees will be larger and more mature than the 2-inch-diameter trees more commonly used for replacement, so the ratio may be 1.5 new trees for every one removed. To ensure the overall health of the campus forest, the University is committed to incorporating different varieties of tree species as the opportunities arise. And planting larger trees helps minimize the stark visual impact that often occurs with new construction. Trees being considered include the Autumn Blaze Maple, Red Barron Crab, Bosnian Pine, and Briotii Horse Chestnut. All trees will be labeled. (A campus-wide tree map will be available in the next few months on the facility operations website.) 

Tree removal will begin May 7, and the new replacement trees will be planted summer/fall 2013. The tree removal project will coincide with closure of the north/south sidewalk east of Milton Bennion Hall for the duration of construction. Watch for signs identifying the best detour routes for pedestrians. For additional information, contact Liz Blackner or call 801-581-4493.