Landscaping the CRI entrance, talk of a “grand entrance monument” there.
Budget is $1.5M, construction May 2017 through December 2017.
The new entrance should be a gateway for UNC Charlotte with a strong presence on N. Tryon St. that is easily identifiable. The improvements also include Institute Circle enhancements and walkway connections to the existing path network. The entrance serves as the face of the University for the exciting and dynamic new piece of public infrastructure. Cohesive incorporation of a grand entrance monument, major grade changes, and various site features will require a thoughtful and timeless design approach. The project is located on a high-profile edge of campus that will be viewed from all directions and create an identity for the University.
Long overdue IMO. To me, CRI is really the front side of campus now, especially with the light rail stations on Tryon Street and the foot traffic that will likely come with it.
This is our face to tens of thousands of cars a day and I’ve always thought the entrance was underwhelming considering the buildings in CRI.
They sort of line the street, but we left a thin layer of shitty looking trees obstructing the view. We can make those buildings feel better integrated with the streetscape, and I hope that is part of the plan with the new entrance.
There are site plans in this PDF (below). Looks like a copy of the “main entrance sign” with two Dickson pillars on either side of it for the CRI entrance monument. Also note the future road and signal at Tryon next to light rail on campus. Similar budget at $1.5M as the Dickson gate, adjusted for inflation. In 2004 Dickson Foundation donated $750k and Harris Teeter donated $250k ($1M total) for the Dickson gate. http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2004/03/22/daily19.html
Some boring nondescript columns with our slave name attached and zero ties to our school colors or anything that brings any sort of spirit and pride to the university as a whole. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaand BREAK!