The former site of Johnson Hall, which burned to the ground in 1987, is now home to a beautiful outdoor garden space named the Lowe Family Garden. The garden, located directly west of Dauer Hall, is the result of a PPD Architecture and Engineering project, and was funded by donations from its namesake, the Lowe family of Gainesville.
“The Lowes were inspired by the Yardley Courtyard, just north of the garden space, to create an outdoor area to represent their family,” said PPD Assistant Director Harold Barrand. “It is designed for student and faculty relaxation, as well as to help provide space for overflow functions from the nearby Keene Faculty Center.”
Project Manager Chandler Rozear, who oversaw the garden’s construction, said, “I feel that we were able to achieve a very pleasing, serene aesthetic with the project. The high walls of the buildings nearby, coupled with the large, sweeping trees surrounding the area, create a peaceful oasis within the hustle and bustle of campus. The overall effect, in my opinion, is that of a huge outdoor room, and it’s very conducive to studying, relaxing, or generally communing with nature.”
The project reached substantial completion in October 2007, but one detail remains to be finished. “We are working on an artistic design incorporating the former cornerstone of the old Johnson Hall,” explained Barrand. “The design will be built to look like an ancient ruin, and create a permanent memorial for Johnson Hall. At the end of the day, I believe that projects such as the Lowe Family Garden considerably improve the quality of life for students and faculty at the University of Florida.”
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