By Kara Augustine

The Thinker statue in front of Grawemeyer Hall had a change of scenery this month while overlooking neon orange traffic cones, clouds of white dust circling in the air and construction workers drilling and sanding.

Completed this past Sunday, the Oval Commons Project was meant to change the front circle into an oval and replace the asphalt with brick and stone.

“This is part of an ongoing effort to improve the appearance of the West Side of campus and to improve the neighborhoods surrounding the University of Louisville,” John Drees, U of L spokesman, said.

“The configuration of bricks in the roadway is what is called a traffic-calming measure,” said Kathleen Smith, assistant secretary to the president’s office. “This means the variation in roadway surface creates limited vibration in the car and sends a subliminal message to drivers to slow down and take note.”

While having practical purposes, the Oval Commons Project was part of a long-term plan meant to create a more attractive campus. New cosmetic additions have also included painted campus overpasses and stenciled cardinals on sidewalks. These eye-catchers are meant to alert people when they have entered U of L’s campus.

“We wanted to define the campus boundaries and improve the neighborhoods around campus,” Jane Ramsey, chair of campus beautification, said.

These new additions have not come without a cost. The funding was a collaborative effort from various areas.

A $1 million grant was issued from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet under the state federal funds. U of L matched 25 percent bringing the total to $1.25 million.

After news of recent budget cuts, issues have arisen about the university paying $250,000 on visual improvements.

“Maintenance needs to improve,” said senior political science major Rosie Washington, a senior political science major. “[But] beautification shouldn’t be a priority at the moment, in lieu of our budget crisis.”

Although U of L did not pay for the entirety of the project, some are concerned tuition may increase due to the spending.

“I don’t know what [the project] is,” said Angela White, a senior political science major. “If I don’t know what it is, I wouldn’t want them to spend my money on it.”

Despite some apprehension, the funds used for beautification cannot be transferred to other areas in need.

“You don’t get to choose where you spend the money. We can’t use highway grants for academics,” Ramsey said. “If we don’t use the grant, the money will go back to the highway transportation fund.”

Besides the loud noises that went with the construction and the fear of tuition increases, there was also support for the project.

Mark Fendley, a second year grad student, who attended classes opposite of the construction, said that despite the outdoor noise, none of his classes in the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law were interrupted.

“[The construction] was an inconvenience, but it’s for the better,” Fendley said. “I think they are doing the best they can for students, residents and employees.”

And more additions are being considered for the future.

At the foot of Manual High School, campus beautification wants to build a bus stop with a covered gazebo area for students and community members. Eastern Parkway, in front of Speed School, will be merged into two lanes with grass medians dividing it, to help eliminate truck traffic.

“We would like to take down the poles and get underground utilities, but that’s a long-term goal,” Ramsey said.

U of L has endured many cosmetic adjustments and will continue to undergo change.

“[Beautification] makes a better campus and neighborhood,” Ramsey said.