UL spruces up area

UL News Service • July 11, 2008 posted in the Daily Advertiser on July 11, 2008

Athletic Network Footnote:  Benches for Beautification is a project which allows for the purchase and naming of new benches throughout the campus so that funds can be generated specifically for beautification.  Inquiries should be directed to Martha Marse, Development Office at (337) 482 – 0922 or mmarse@louisiana.edu   Interested parties are encouraged to visit http://ullafayettefoundation.org/

Concerns about the condition of buildings and sidewalks on UL’s campus are being addressed this week as crews pressure-wash buildings and begin repairs before students start the fall semester in August.

UL’s new President Joe Savoie began at the university last week and listed the upcoming beautification projects as a priority during his first week on the job.

"One of the consistent concerns that I have heard is about the poor condition of some campus facilities and sidewalks," stated Savoie in a press release issued by the university on Thursday.

"This campus has the advantage of having facilities with very traditional architecture surrounded by beautiful oak trees. Because of past budget restraints, many maintenance issues with these facilities were deferred."

Several buildings, especially those that sit under trees or in close proximity to trees, have had a buildup of green algae on the bricks.

Crews are starting in the quadrangle and working out to other parts of campus.

"We are using commercial grade fluid that will keep the buildings cleaner for longer," stated Bill Crist, UL’s director for Physical Plant.

Crist said maintenance crews have also started repairing and replacing broken sidewalks.

He estimated this cleanup phase to be especially intensive in the summer months and extend into the fall semester.