Chancellor considers Davies redesign
Potential delay could cost up to $2.5 million, official says
Frank Pellegrino
Issue date: 9/24/09 Section: Campus News
The Davies Center Redevelopment Steering Committee and project architects have been directed to develop new plans to preserve the site of the Historic Council Oak tree, UW-Eau Claire Chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich said.
Levin-Stankevich announced his plans to request new options for the center's design during a University Senate meeting Tuesday. The decision came the same night that the Eau Claire City Council approved the site plan for the original building.
The tree marks a location of truce between the Ojibwe and Dakota tribes and also allowed a place to parley, according to a Council Oak Tree Chronology provided to University Senate. In 1966, former professor Kenneth Campbell designed a new logo for UW-Eau Claire featuring the Council Oak in full height, according to the chronology.
Levin-Stankevich spoke about the implications of infringing on the tree, and the large negative response he has received about moving it.
"The Council Oak is important historically and culturally and we must treat it accordingly," Levin-Stankevich said in his speech.
In the chancellor's opinion, the University has begun to unite over this issue and he has been pleasantly surprised.
"I've seen this campus over the past couple weeks … really rally around a symbol that we didn't have before," Stankevich said. "It's almost a rediscovery of a symbol that we used to have."
The chancellor then made his announcement to the audience to consider redesign options for the new student union, and concluded by stressing the importance of community support.
At the Environmental Impact Statement public meeting held the same night after the chancellor's speech, several university officials said there was no easy way to tell how the building timeline will be affected by a redesign. Depending on the changes, redesign could push the project back anywhere between a few months to more than a year, they estimated.
Student Body President Michael Umhoefer, who also is a member of the steering committee, called the announcement from the chancellor concerning.
Levin-Stankevich announced his plans to request new options for the center's design during a University Senate meeting Tuesday. The decision came the same night that the Eau Claire City Council approved the site plan for the original building.
The tree marks a location of truce between the Ojibwe and Dakota tribes and also allowed a place to parley, according to a Council Oak Tree Chronology provided to University Senate. In 1966, former professor Kenneth Campbell designed a new logo for UW-Eau Claire featuring the Council Oak in full height, according to the chronology.
Levin-Stankevich spoke about the implications of infringing on the tree, and the large negative response he has received about moving it.
"The Council Oak is important historically and culturally and we must treat it accordingly," Levin-Stankevich said in his speech.
In the chancellor's opinion, the University has begun to unite over this issue and he has been pleasantly surprised.
"I've seen this campus over the past couple weeks … really rally around a symbol that we didn't have before," Stankevich said. "It's almost a rediscovery of a symbol that we used to have."
The chancellor then made his announcement to the audience to consider redesign options for the new student union, and concluded by stressing the importance of community support.
At the Environmental Impact Statement public meeting held the same night after the chancellor's speech, several university officials said there was no easy way to tell how the building timeline will be affected by a redesign. Depending on the changes, redesign could push the project back anywhere between a few months to more than a year, they estimated.
Student Body President Michael Umhoefer, who also is a member of the steering committee, called the announcement from the chancellor concerning.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 17
Geoff Peterson
posted 9/24/09 @ 6:12 AM CST
Mr. Luttrell displays both ignorance and insensitivity with his comment, "If I were a student, I'd go, 'Wait a minute, I'm spending $2.5 million and getting nothing. (Continued…)
James Oberly
posted 9/24/09 @ 8:07 AM CST
Thank you to the *Spectator* for covering this important issue. I support Chancellor Levin-Stankevich's decision to re-design the new University Center so that the Council Oak is not damaged. (Continued…)
Joe the Student
posted 9/24/09 @ 8:11 AM CST
It may not be nothing, but the value that the University and community is getting from saving the tree sure means a lot more to faculty and academic staff than it has to the student body. (Continued…)
Harold Roach
posted 9/24/09 @ 9:49 AM CST
The Council Oak tree and what it symbolizes becomes more important to those that understand that buildings come and go. In side the "New Davies Center" students will have a chance to rest, meet with fellow students and develop them selves. (Continued…)
alum
posted 9/24/09 @ 10:09 AM CST
Thank you Mr. Roach for also addressing the Kent State memorial trees! There was also a memorial tree near the Kent State trees to a City of Eau Claire police officer who died in the line of duty. (Continued…)
Former student
posted 9/24/09 @ 10:43 AM CST
Thank you for covering this issue. I fully support the Chancellor's decision to re-design the University center so that this important tree can remain. (Continued…)
Shelley Mather (Student and Staff)
posted 9/24/09 @ 10:44 AM CST
Speaking as a student, I feel I am really getting something for my money-the opportunity to gain an education from an institution who is willing to practice what they preach. (Continued…)
Eric M
posted 9/24/09 @ 10:58 AM CST
Adding a floor to the building would reduce the ground space required, and the ecological footprint.
David Shih
posted 9/24/09 @ 11:28 AM CST
I believe that it is premature to speak definitively on delays and expenses, but to say that students are "getting nothing" out of a student center that honors the meaning of the Council Oak--enough to save it--suggests that the value of the building is best understood in terms of square footage. (Continued…)
Eric
posted 9/24/09 @ 11:29 AM CST
Have you all lost your minds?
2.5 million dollars to save a TREE????
I understand the desire to save an important symbol, but if that is really what the cost is going to be, it is nowhere near worth it. (Continued…)
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