Renovations to West Quad mockup. (Image courtesy of Gettysburg College)
This article originally appeared on page 22 of the No. 5 April 2025 edition of The Gettysburgian magazine
By Elliott Wakefield, Guest Columnist
The members of the Gettysburg Environmental Concerns Organization (GECO) have developed mixed feelings about the upcoming renovations to the West Quad’s first-year residential halls. However, we remain optimistic about the potential for enhanced accessibility that these renovations could bring. We believe that a refreshed design for the West Quad will foster increased socialization opportunities among first-year students, contributing to the development of a stronger, more vibrant campus community.
That being said, there are some aspects of the renovation plans that raise concerns for GECO. One of our primary worries is the potential loss of greenery on campus. GECO has been closely monitoring the impact of recent campus construction and renovation projects on green spaces.
We have observed a concerning trend where many of these projects have led to a deficit of greenery across campus. The current development plans indicate that the tree adjacent to Paul Hall and along the middle of the quad will be completely removed, which sets a troubling precedent for future campus projects. We believe that if the removal of greenery is deemed necessary for construction, the College should commit to replacing the lost greenery with an equal or greater amount. Alternatively, the College could explore ways to work around existing trees and green spaces, preserving them where possible.
Another concern that GECO members have raised is the extent of concrete pathways shown in the renovation projections. Some members feel that the proposed concrete patio outside Stine Hall is excessive and represents an unnecessary removal of grassy areas within the West Quad. This design approach mirrors that of the College Union Building, where a large grassy area was replaced by concrete during construction. GECO believes that such extensive use of concrete may detract from the campus’s natural beauty and the welcoming atmosphere it provides.
Additionally, it has been brought to our attention that some students feel recent campus renovations have shifted the aesthetic toward a “hyper-modern” design, diverging from the historic charm that many students found appealing when choosing Gettysburg. Nature and greenery have always played an integral role in the campus’s character, and many students have noticed a shift away from the aesthetic that originally attracted them. We are concerned that this shift may affect how future generations of prospective students perceive the College.
Despite these concerns, GECO is committed to working collaboratively with the College to find a balanced solution. We are confident that it is possible to achieve the accessibility and revitalization goals of the West Quad renovations while minimizing the impact on existing green spaces. By doing so, we can create a campus that respects both its historic charm and its future growth.
