University Mall
Center of campus
An important facet of the campus as an arboretum is the iconic Mall. Since about 1932, the Mall has been thought of as the campus center, a concept resulting from a plan from the famed Olmsted Brothers firm of landscape architects. Bounded by the Memorial Gym and Black Bear Statue on the north, and Fogler Library on the south, the open area is lined by green ash trees that replaced an earlier planting of American elms affected by Dutch elm disease. The walkways around the Mall, though designed for practicality, are themselves enhanced by planned landscaping and natural tree growth. The Mall is beautiful every season and frequently full of activity. (Check out the Circle The Mall Tour.)