Tech Improving Walkability, Ecology Via Streetscape Renovations
An artist rendering of a renovated Harrison Square, located within the Cherry Street corridor in the historic section of Georgia Tech's campus.
The renovations of Harrison Square and Hinman Courtyard, beginning March 16, will provide ecological improvements and more open spaces to unify the Georgia Tech campus. Both plaza renovation projects will focus on enhancing pedestrian and bicyclist mobility, for instance. By eliminating curbs and gutters, pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to move easily through the corridors. Improved lighting, brick pavers, and re-grading of Harrison Square will also allow clear access east of Cherry Street and improve connectivity between Tech Tower and Harrison Square.
“As these rejuvenated spaces come back online, the campus will continue to transform into a more pedestrian friendly, sustainable, well-connected place,” said Frank Lamia Associate Director of Construction Services.
The positive environmental impacts, such as stormwater management and tree canopy preservation, that these projects will generate align with Tech’s Campus Landscape Master Plan and its recent PGMS Landscape Accreditation. Additionally, failing trees will be replaced with the same type of tree, providing shade for pedestrians, improving water permeability, and helping to mitigate the heat island effect.
The Harrison Square improvements along Cherry Street will be around the Corliss Pump gathering area, and the soon-to-be Hinman Courtyard will be located behind the Old Civil Engineering Building. These renovations should be ready for fall semester 2015.
For more information on these renovations, visit the Facilities Management website.