Even with the construction of The Harrison on the south side of campus, the little white house has remained TCU’s longtime neighbor. Now, the small residence at 3071 Wabash Ave. is scheduled for removal, and the entrance off Berry Street will have a new, inviting space.
“This is really a new ceremonial front door to the university off of Berry Street,” said Todd Waldvogel, associate vice chancellor for facilities and campus planning.
The house is scheduled to be removed in early August. A temporary lawn will be installed and, eventually, the area will become a parklike setting, open to anyone on campus, creating not only an inviting entry, but a communal space. Specific plans will be laid out in the months to come, but, generally, Waldvogel said, plans include a relaxing setting with a well house – a classical brick and stone gazebo for large gatherings – and accompanying landscaping.
“Effective campus planning is always about achieving the right mix of green spaces with our buildings, parking and other campus structures,” Waldvogel said. “With this particular site and as we embark on our next Campus Master Plan, we carefully consider the overall impact of our open spaces – whether they should be paved or planted – as it supports the improvement of our campus.”
Bill Nunez, vice chancellor for finance and administration, said this is another notable progression of TCU’s 150-year legacy.
“This iconic campus was built with over a century and a half of strategic investments,” he said. “Continuous improvement for the betterment of our campus community is in our culture, and that will endure into the next 150 years.”