Leaders from Arizona State University and Willmeng Construction gathered for an event to formally celebrate the completion of ASU’s iconic Alumni Lawn renovation. 

The project transformed the space into a more functional, efficient and pedestrian-friendly space while accenting the university’s historic Old Main building, a press release explained

ASU’s Executive Vice President, Treasurer and CFO Dr. Morgan Olson stated in the release that this project has been highly anticipated for quite sometime after the school made the decision to invest in the space given its importance to the university. 

“It’s a site of a ton of events, whether it’s homecoming or commencement or other really important moments in the life of the university and our students and faculty,” Olson stated.

The ASU Alumni Lawn project is the first of several phases to transform the open space around Old Main at ASU's flagship Tempe campus. This project rehabilitated and upgraded 2.7 acres of outdoor space in the heart of campus, located just north of the historic Old Main building. 

It serves as an entrance to the campus and a gathering space for students and members of the ASU community, the release stated.

ASU’s Senior Vice President, Secretary and ASU Alumni Association President Dr. Christine Wilkinson stated in the release that prospective students are taken by Old Main to understand ASU’s historical nature and where it started. 

“Then over the years this space serves as a backdrop for engagements, weddings, anniversaries - a few plunges in the fountain - and celebrates a student’s journey. This is a space that thousands and thousands of people will experience over the years as they celebrate the memories of their university experience,” Wilkinson stated.

The Alumni Lawn also has great importance to Willmeng CEO James Murphy, an alumni and associate faculty member of ASU’s Del E. Webb School of Construction.

“I know how important this project was to the University and what this space means to myself and all Sun Devils,” Murphy stated in the release. “I am extremely proud of our team for the way they executed a challenging project without getting in the way of this dynamic campus. We’re very humbled to have the opportunity to build yet another project with ASU and to work on this central focal point of the campus.”

The new design by Norris Design opens the visibility to Old Main and Kachina Fountain from University Drive while preserving ASU's history. 

The project, including the removal and salvage of existing pavers and the installation of new pavers, resulted in nearly 26,000 square feet of pavers, according to the release. 

Emphasizing the project's commitment to functionality and design, additional features included the installation of eight retractable bollards, two benches, a restored sundial, decorative metal screen panels and a prominent monument sign along University Drive. 

Finally, the project included the installation of new palm trees and new infrastructure for vehicular, pedestrian and bike traffic across the lawn, the release stated.

The Alumni Lawn has been the site of many events throughout the history of ASU, but without adequate electricity running to the site, it became more difficult to host events that required power.

With the installation of a new electrical system at the site, it will be possible to host large gatherings at this site in the future, creating more memories for the ASU community.

“As I think about this place, you know, it's sort of sacred in a sense,” Olsen stated. “The university is moving so fast, growing so quickly and changing at the forefront of the invention of new knowledge. And yet we still have this place that people can come and relax and reflect and celebrate their relationships with each other and with the institution, and sort of create their own history here.”