UTEP Unveils Campus Transformation Plans

Design Emphasizes Sustainability, Quality of Life

EL PASO, Texas, July 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of Texas at El Paso is embarking on one of the most ambitious greening efforts that any urban campus of higher education has ever undertaken.

The University will spend an estimated $25 million through the balance of this decade to implement eight landscape greening projects that were designed by Lake/Flato and Ten Eyck architectural firms.

"At the heart of this is the creation of a continuous pedestrian environment that uses walkways and green spaces to knit together campus buildings, creating more inviting spaces for studying, relaxing and collaboration that will greatly enrich our quality of life," said UTEP President Diana Natalicio.

University leaders believe that well-designed landscapes play a vital role in the recruitment, retention, and academic success of college students, and that the campus environment can promote good health.

Interconnected walkways, bike paths and organic campus trails will improve circulation to and from classes and increase pedestrian safety on the 22,000-plus student campus.

The campus transformation will reduce the amount of pavement on campus and create a greener environment that uses native landscaping and creates shade while filtering the air and water. Subsurface irrigation, rainwater harvesting and other responsible water use techniques will reduce maintenance and utility costs. The University will use a variety of drought-tolerant shade trees and environmentally sensitive shrubs that are native to the Chihuahuan Desert or that grow well in the region.

The campus transformation projects are expected to cost a total of up to $25 million. The University has already identified funding for the Hawthorne Street and Wiggins Road projects. UTEP will generate funds for the remaining campus transformation projects through fundraising efforts tied to UTEP's $200 million Centennial Campaign. Prospective donors are encouraged to visit campus.utep.edu to learn more about the projects and click on the "Give Now" link to make a contribution.

For renderings of each of the projects, visit campus.utep.edu.

CONTACT: Veronique Masterson, +1-915-747-7503, [email protected]

SOURCE University of Texas at El Paso