A recent construction project entitled the “Native Gardens Project” has begun behind the Merryl and Sam Israel Jr. Environmental Sciences Building on Gibson Quad. This project is part of Tulane’s storm water management initiative as well as the Richardson Building renovation. According to Randy Philipson, vice president for facilities, campus development and services, the City of New Orleans requires storm water components for every major construction project. 

This project aims to help with flood mitigation and storm water management on the Academic Quadrangle. 

“It is one of several stormwater initiatives that the university has committed to,” Philipson said.

The project will also replace the previous garden in that area with a new one that is composed of plants and grasses native to southern Louisiana. The new garden will also have space for students.

“This will be a place where students can gather, study, or relax with some seating components,” Philipson said. 

The Native Gardens Project will be completed by late April 2021.

Along with the Native Gardens Project, Tulane has started various construction projects across campus including the Richardson Building renovation and two new student dormitories next to Paterson Residence Hall. 

According to the Tulane Campus Services’ website, the Richardson Building first floor renovation will house the new Carolyn Barber-Pierre Center for Intercultural Life as well as the Center for Academic Equity, previously located in F. Edward Hebert Hall. This project revolves around renovating the first floor of the building into offices for staff and various other amenities such as “desk space for graduate students, a conference room, lounge, warming kitchen, informal sitting area and multipurpose room,” Two general pool classrooms will also be relocated.

The two new student residence halls will be located on the previous site of the Bruff Commons. This project will result in two new student dormitories and several small meeting rooms and classrooms.