Natural rainfall courtesy of Mother Nature will begin to restore one of the campus’ signature locations, Hechenbleikner Lake.
Created in the 1960s by damming a small spring-fed stream, Hechenbleikner Lake and nearby Davis Lake are separated by an earthen dam on which Broadrick Boulevard runs. In early 2010, the earthen dam’s overflow pipe was caving in, which started to cause erosion beneath the roadway. The Facilities Management Department, in consultation with state and federal agencies, developed a plan to address the dam and lake; the project took almost two years to complete due to the permitting process with various agencies.
For several years, Peter Franz, landscape architect in facilities management, had pitched the concept of making Hechenbleikner Lake more pedestrian friendly. The need to repair the dam’s underground overflow pipe presented Franz the opportunity to make changes to the lake.
Franz, working in conjunction with other University personnel, including Ken Lambla, dean of the College of Arts + Architecture, worked to integrate several pedestrian features around Hechenbleikner Lake, including new brick sidewalks, benches and a platform that overlooks the area.
With the lake located behind the Rowe Arts Building, the additional landscaping includes a new Rowe Arts Studio Courtyard. Lambla noted this area was of mutual benefit to the University and his college, since it is one of the primary views that entering visitors have of campus. He added the area will “provide a platform to place a student sculpture that is an annual award based on a competitive selection process.”
Hechenbleikner Lake is named for biology professor Herbert Hechenbleikner, who was recruited to the faculty by University founder Bonnie Cone. He is credited with the creation of the Van Landingham Glen, which is the basis for the University’s Botanical Gardens.
Photo (inset): A shot of the lake (left) taken from the front entrance side with the Reese, Colvard and Rowe Arts buildings in the background.