The second phase of work on the Reeves Sculpture Plaza at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) has been completed, thanks to a $100,000 pledge from the Carl and Mildred Reeves Foundation.

“This work completes the original concept envisioned by artist Howard Meehan for the Central Avenue entrance,” explains Dr. Marwan Wafa, vice chancellor and dean. “The result is a much improved area for the public and the campus community to enjoy.”

The project added nearly 800 lineal feet of pedestrian walkways to the IUPUC campus. It also included removing overgrown shrubbery, building earthen mounds, and installing an irrigation system. The walkways are connected to Central Avenue from the south, winding around the Meehan sculpture and through a grove of Norway Spruce trees to the north.

In the spring, a new array flowering trees, decorative grasses, and perennial flowers will add color and visual texture to the area.

According to Wafa, the project will better showcase the growing university. “By ensuring the grounds are attractive and inviting, we hope more prospective students, parents, and community members will explore our campus and learn about the programs we offer.”

The Carl and Mildred Reeves Foundation provided $327,000 several years ago for Meehan’s large stainless steel, glass, and concrete sculpture on the IUPUC campus. Dedicated in 2010, the unique 30-foot tall piece is surrounded by a curved wall displaying an inspirational quote from Benjamin Disraeli: “A university should be a place of light, of liberty, and of learning.”

Indianapolis-based Browning Day Mullins Dierdorf Landscape Architects designed the landscaping and the contractor completing the work was Runnebohm Construction, a firm based in Shelbyville.

For more information about IUPUC, please visit www.iupuc.edu.