Chancellor appoints Belk Plaza Design Committee members

Monday, November 30, 2015

Fourteen individuals representing the campus community and the city have been named to the Belk Plaza Design Committee.

Appointed by Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, the committee will assist the Charlotte architectural firm of LandDesign to transform Belk Plaza, the historic core quadrangle in which the Belk Tower is located. Earlier this year, the University announced plans to dismantle the tower due to significant structural deficiencies and deterioration.

“We envision a functional and aesthetically pleasing area that will be open and inviting and that will provide a gathering place for both planned and unplanned events,” stated Dubois in an email to the campus that outlined plans for Belk Plaza.

Peter Franz, the University’s landscape architect, will chair the Belk Plaza Design Committee. The other members are:

  • Scott Barber, a graduate student in the College of Arts + Architecture​
  • Dave Brodeur, an associate professor in the ​Department of Art + Art History​
  • ​Mitch Daratony, president of the Student Government Association
  • Neil Edwards, a student in the College of Arts + Architecture
  • ​Jeff Gillman, director​ of the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens
  • Darlene Heater, executive director, University City Partners
  • Diana Hill, a staff member in the Internal Audit Department
  • Ashley Kelley, alumna (Class of 2014)​
  • ​Mike Lizotte​, UNC Charlotte sustainability officer
  • Karen Reavis, alumna (Class of 1979)​
  • Amanda Simpson, a staff member in the Belk College of Business​
  • Debra Smith​, an associate professor in the  Department of ​Africana Studies​
  • Keith Wassum, associate vice chancellor for business services

LandDesign will conduct three two-hour open forums to solicit input from the campus community and alumni regarding elements and principles to be considered in the design of Belk Plaza. The firm will develop a final plan for approval by the chancellor and UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees by mid-2016.