Landscape around future Tykeson Hall begins to take shape

The footprint of the future home of Tykeson Hall College and Careers building will begin to take shape later this month as the removal of 22 trees gets underway.

In alignment with the University of Oregon Campus Tree Plan, the trees near Collier House, Johnson Hall, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and Chapman Hall will be removed.

“While the campus realizes the great loss of these trees, we take comfort that none of the trees to be removed are one-of-a-kind trees,” said Martina Oxoby, owner’s representative in Campus Planning and Facilities Management. “There are other trees of the same species on campus and none of the trees to be removed have outstanding historic value.”

The Campus Tree Plan requires that UO maintain the current tree canopy coverage and status as an arboretum. The campus planning project team is working with landscaping and grounds staff to identify the species of replacement trees and locations best suited for their success. Any tree canopy coverage lost through removal will be replaced.

“In addition, our design team and design architect plan to work with a local lumber company to salvage wood from three pin oak trees and one Port Orford cedar tree,” Oxoby said. “The lumber will be repurposed into the interior structure of Tykeson Hall.”

The removal also allows for a 10-space parking area to be created this summer outside Collier House. This project is expected to be complete prior to the start of fall term.

Tykeson Hall will be the new home for the College of Arts and Sciences and the career center. The 63,000-square-foot building will focus on student success by providing prospective students, current students and alumni opportunities for academic and career success.

Tree removal will take place on consecutive weekends, Aug. 12 and 19.

—By Tobin J. Klinger, University Communications