The Tripod

An e-mail was sent to students from the Vernon Allen Planning Committee last week, asking for proposals for use of social spaces on Allen Place and Vernon Street that are anticipated to be available next year. The committee hopes that "the Vernon-Allen area will become a 'cultural quarter' where one might find a variety of social options appealing to a variety of appetites." Proposals will be judged based on whether the groups offer new and interesting ideas, if the activities will bring together people from different backgrounds, and if the group's activities will enrich the educational atmosphere of Trinity College.

The planning committee is a blend of students and faculty. In a report the committee submitted on Dec. 12, 2007, they stated in their vision that they would like to create alternative social outlets on campus. "'Vernon Street' and 'going out' are often used as code at Trinity to summarize a monolithic approach to social life replete with rituals, a dress code, and a pecking order," the report says. "We believe that the existing structure can be used to an advantage and we think we can add to that structure in a way that diversifies, enriches, and re-defines the social life."

The report goes on to say that the new spaces for Trinity organizations should encourage interaction among different groups, and break down boundaries between the areas for learning, community service and recreation. They give examples of specific ideas, including an arts house, where students might showcase their work and play music, or an international house, where students could prepare meals while practicing a language or hosting different national holiday celebrations. The committee puts forth the idea of the Bistro and the Vernon Social Center as places that could serve as a "neutral meeting ground." They go on to suggest some specific architectural renovations for the Vernon Social Center and houses on Allen Place, commenting that, "many of us noted that many apartments needed a bit of a facelift and that we need to correct a dark and dingy appearance on Allen Place that contributes to a feeling that the area is not safe."

Specifically, the committee hopes to make 104-106, 102-100, and 79 Vernon St. and 115 and 125 Allen Place available for student groups, perhaps using 79 Vernon St. as a replacement for the loss of the Broad Street Gallery. They hope to move the Office of Residential Life back to Hamlin Hall, and move the Italian Consulate to 133 Allen Pl. Furthermore, they suggest engaging an architect or a class from an architecture school to propose a renovation plan that will put the Vernon Social Center and the Bistro to better use.

When asked about the process of moving offices around campus, Dean of Students Frederick Alford, and a committee member replied, "We were vague because the decisions are still in the works. The ultimate goal is to get the Business, Development, Alumni, and Communications Offices all located in Trinity Commons. This much moving will create some complications, which makes us reticent about making commitments to timing and spaces." Alford says that the renovations will most likely occur after the current Seabury/Jarvis construction is complete. He says, "We don't think student groups will be able to occupy the Vernon Street buildings until October 2008. The buildings on Allen Place could conceivably be available sooner."

Members of the committee are excited to hear ideas from the student body, and are even putting forth their own proposals. "I want to see more options available to bring together new fusions of students, options that will further liven the area," says Committee member Tomas Kavanagh '11. "I'm busy working on proposals now!"

Elisabeth Cianciola '10 is another student planning to submit a proposal. She wants to create a "sustainable living" space for environmentally- friendly students. She said, "I realize that students across campus relate to the environment and natural resources in different ways, but more importantly, because many of the environmental ideals college students hold do not get carried out in their everyday lifestyles." She imagines a space complete with students living and cooking together. She would also like to host speakers and workshops on "environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible" lifestyle skills.

The committee hopes for a variety of student proposals. The members of the committee include Dean Alford, Kavanagh, Jasmine Agosto '10, Chase Caillouette '10, Tomas de'Medici '11, Associate Professor of Modern Languages and Literature Johannes Evelein, Buildings and Grounds Project Manager Tom Fusciello, Chauncey Kerr '09, Assistant Professor of Theater and Dance Michael Preston, Associate Dean of Students Ann Reuman, and Paula Russo, Vice President for Planning, Administration, and Affirmative Action.

Article Tools