The Nature of Community

In addition to innovative building renovations and exciting new landmark structures, St. Edward’s University is enhancing its campus landscape with more trees and plants, water fountains and shaded seating for pedestrian-friendly “see and be seen” outdoor spaces that create a sense of community.

• Since 2002, more than 700 trees have been planted on campus
  (60 percent of them have been
  live oaks).

• Landscape architects Sasaki Associates worked with Physical Plant’s grounds crew and gardening contractors to select native Texas plants that thrive in the heat and help the university save water.

• Indigo spires, yellow coreopsis and calendula, cherry sage, red Turk’s cap, and purple Mexican petunias now grace the gardens around the historic Sorin Oak and Ragsdale Plaza.

• New renovations to Doyle Hall have added a spacious outdoor courtyard between Doyle and Premont halls. A centuries-old live oak shades the gathering space. Comfortable seating areas are plentiful beneath the tree's huge canopy. Colorful native plants like Monterrey oaks and mountain laurels screen out the roads and nearby parking lot.

• Southeast of Moody hall, a new arbored seating area — Moody Plaza — provides shade against a backdrop of crape myrtles transplanted from their former location around Sorin Oak.

• East Hall residents have a new front porch with room to relax, socialize, or barbeque and watch the baseball games. All the original trees at East Hall were saved throughout construction and replanted on campus.

• At Teresa Hall, a new canopied entry helps cuts down energy consumption and protects students against wind and rain.

• Our new residential village serves as a town square on the east side of campus. The complex offers courtyards, outdoor seating areas and a pedestrian street for students, faculty and staff to gather. Abundant shade and shelter from wind and rain are enjoyed along the village's corridor.