East College lawn restoration project set for this summer

DePauw University is planning a summer project for restoration of the East College lawn, the university has announced.

The project encompasses the lawn spaces around historic East College, from Burkhart Walk to Locust Street.

The work will include removal of the existing sidewalks (many seen as safety concerns) and the installation of new sidewalks, per the Campus Master Plan design.

Also included is new pedestrian lighting, similar to Smith Walk, Anderson Street and Hanna Street near the athletics campus, as well as irrigation and new landscape materials around East College.

Many of the monuments around East College will remain as part of this new environment. One feature of the lawn space, the Donor Fountain, will be removed.

Rob Harper, assistant director of Facilities Management, Grounds and Landscaping, said conversations are ongoing regarding the creation of a centralized donor memorial/recognition space somewhere on campus; however, there are no current plans to re-install the fountain in its current configuration or location.

The lawn restoration work is scheduled to begin in the next few days and is scheduled for completion by Aug. 22.

East College will remain open throughout the summer with limited access, as certain doors may not be open for a week or so.

"Facilities Management, as always, appreciates your patience with the university construction projects and ask that you observe the safety measures in place," Harper said in an email.