Policy saved tree in Chemistry Building

IU's policy aimed at maintaining the beauty of its campus is never to remove a tree unnecessarily during renovations, expansions or construction projects. That proved a daunting challenge when the Chemistry Building addition began in 1986.\nUniversity administrators sat down with the architect of the project to see how to build it without compromising the large American Beech perched at the southern end of its \nfoundation. \nVice President and Chief Administration Officer Terry Clapacs was involved with the discussions and said it was an important task.\n"If there is any possible way to save a tree, we try to do that," Clapacs said. "That was such a beautiful tree that we sat down with the architect and talked about how to preserve it. What you see now is the outcome of that."\nThe architect didn't balk at building around a living tree, and it ultimately paid off. Designed by Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates Inc. of Southfield, Mich., the addition won an Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects, partially for its sensitivity to its surrounding environment. \n"They were quite supportive and certainly understood that and thought it would be a very nice touch to create the right rapport between the building and the woods around it," Clapacs said.\nThomas Gaines noted IU's policy for defending its natural beauty in his book, "The Campus as a Work of Art," which called IU one of the five most beautiful campuses in the country.\nThe policy may have been born from legendary former President and University Chancellor Herman B Wells, who is said to have been a staunch defender of nature. In his last address as president, Wells called IU's "islands of green and serenity" a fundamental part of the campus.\n"(They are) our most important physical asset, transcending even classrooms, libraries, and laboratories in their ability to inspire students to dream long dreams of future usefulness and achievement -- dreams that are an important and essential part of undergraduate college experience," Wells said.\nBoth the bust of Wells and the statue of him seated at a bench beside Dunn's Woods are said to exist to watch over and protect the trees. \nIU Foundation President Curt Simic said in a 2000 press release that the trees were the only thing that convinced Wells to allow the creation of the latter statue, which was dedicated Oct. 16 of that year.\n"In typical fashion, he responded by saying, 'They can certainly find something better to do with the money!'" Simic said. "We convinced him that his likeness situated here would help protect the campus trees for future generations. He responded by saying, 'Good! Now, can we get rid of that bust in front of Kirkwood Hall? I've always feared that I really looked like that!'"\nOf course, the bust remains today, as do countless beautiful IU trees, including the one at the Chemistry building.\nClapacs said he's still pleased to this day the tree could be saved for future generations of students. \n"It says the building fits into the landscape rather than just intruding into it," he said. "It's still a good match and it was the right thing to do"