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A long-awaited accessibility project near 51�ԹϺ���’s iconic Flashlight sculpture has broken ground this summer, marking a significant step forward in making the university more inclusive.

What began in 2021 as a request from the College of Fine Arts to address an inaccessible portion of the Performing Arts Center plaza has evolved into a campus-enhancing infrastructure project four years in the making. The result will be an ADA-accessible ramp with seating, improved lighting, updated signage, and landscaping designed for function and beauty.

“This will be a dramatic improvement to a part of campus that gets a lot of foot traffic and a lot of attention,” says Matt Ivie, senior project manager in 51�ԹϺ���’s Planning and Construction department.

A Response to Accessibility Needs

The project was born from a growing awareness of the need for an ADA-compliant path from the Performing Arts Center plaza to the academic mall. While traffic could flow around the PAC buidlings, there was no accessible route through the elevated plaza from the north to the interior of campus below. 

The path to a solution was winding. “We started with feasibility studies, ballpark estimates, and a lot of back-and-forth between campus planning groups, Fine Arts, Facilities, and other stakeholders,” Ivie explains. “The biggest challenge was figuring out how to fund it.”

With funding now secured, the project entered its construction phase on July 15.

Pedestrian access through the area will be blocked through the duration of the build, which is expected to take up to six months. While construction is underway, detours around the area will be clearly marked.

“There have been many members of the 51�ԹϺ��� community and the local community who have had trouble accessing the Academic Mall from the Cottage Grove Parking Garage. We are extremely happy that the university recognized the importance and that the project is underway,” said Lori Cobo, executive director of 51�ԹϺ���’s Performing Arts Center.

A Multi-Purpose Gathering Space

The project site near the Flashlight already serves as an informal gathering space for Art Walk, performances, and 51�ԹϺ��� community events. With the addition of a new ramp and surrounding upgrades, the area will continue to support these purposes while functioning as a more intentional destination.

The ramp itself has a gently sloped design with several switchbacks. It also incorporates stairs as a more-direct path, but is entirely accessible to those using a wheelchair or other mobility device.

The layout creates natural opportunities for seating while the backlit 51�ԹϺ���-branded signage, desert landscaping, and lighting upgrades encourage gathering.

In addition to hosting performing arts and community events, it will also serve as a great place for students and staff to hang out, eat lunch, and enjoy being outdoors on campus.

“It’s going to make a great backdrop for graduation photos, and it’s a significant improvement for Fine Arts,” Ivie says.

Nearby monuments, including the 51�ԹϺ��� Veterans Memorial, will be relocated, and there will be some updates to the fire safety infrastructure.

Together, these renovations will turn a utilitarian space into an inviting new threshold to the Performing Arts Center and a beautiful termination to the academic mall.

A Unique Architectural Feature

The use of cast-in-place concrete is one of the project’s standout features.

“As an architect, I don’t often get to do cast-in-place concrete on campus. This has been a fun one,” Ivie says.

Unlike cheaper precast or modular options, this method involves pouring concrete in place using custom-built formwork and molds. This allows for a higher level of craftsmanship and complete artistic control over every aspect of the design, including the surface pattern and finish. It also lends itself to better durability and reduced maintenance. 

“This is a million-and-a-half-dollar ramp project,” Ivie says. “Accessibility is at the heart of it — that’s non-negotiable. But from an architectural perspective too, it’s exciting to create something you can’t buy off the shelf. This was uniquely designed for this spot on our campus, and you won’t see it anywhere else.”

What will the concrete look like when it’s completed? First, the design team selected a tactile, variegated rock pattern liner. The liner is a mold placed inside the concrete formwork before the concrete is poured. As the concrete sets, the liner impresses a pattern into the surface, giving it texture. In this case, the texture mimics the natural look and feel of stone you’d expect to find in the surrounding desert. This and the concrete’s sandstone color were chosen to build upon the campus’ desert aesthetic and reinforce its sense of place.

Overall, the ramp will provide something the campus has long been missing: an accessible, thoughtfully designed connection between two heavily used areas. And while the design also reflects an investment in campus beautification, its purpose remains clear. This is a project built to last — and built for everyone.