In its first year, good things have been happening on the West Campus Plaza.
Those things include Duke Symphony Orchestra performances, open talks, desserts on Thursdays, the luau last week and numerous concerts.
Larry Moneta, vice president for student affairs, said the plaza plays host to many such events that the previous Bryan Center Walkway, which was torn down in 2005, could not support. And many students also gave the space positive reviews.
"I try to attend plaza activities, and in general, I think they are well-attended because the place is unavoidable on the way to the Bryan Center," said senior Yibing Li.
Students said the plaza is an excellent gathering place for eating, relaxing and social activities.
Li, who remembers the old walkway from his freshman year, said the plaza is more valuable to students.
"It allows more places to socialize and relax than the old walkway, which was simply a tool for getting from one place to another," he added.
Some upperclassmen noted that the year without the walkway was highly inconvenient, but added that they do like the new space.
Nonetheless, the high cost of the project-totaling $10 million-surprised some students who said the money could have possibly been better spent elsewhere on campus.
Executive Vice President Tallman Trask wrote in an e-mail that he believes the plaza renovation project has been a valuable investment.
"The plaza has provided additional seating and gathering space for everyone traveling to the Bryan Center or West Union Building," Director of Dining Services Jim Wulforst wrote in an e-mail. "The addition of the elevated grassy platform, the tables, chairs and umbrellas and additional doors to and from the Great Hall and Chapel have all made the plaza a destination spot."
Pauly Dogs Owner Paul Konstanzer, the only vendor who used the old Bryan Center Walkway, "thanks us every day for his cart since he's able to operate much more efficiently with his current set up," Wulforst said, noting that the new carts along with the equipment associated with them cost a total of $100,000.
The carts offer vendors more storage spaces and shade from the summer sun, said Pauly Dogs employee Beth Haskins.
"It's busier this year and there is a lot of traffic," she said. "I like that there is always something going on such as music to listen to. Even when there is free food on the plaza, it hasn't hurt business."
Phil Nelson, an employee of new vendor Green Tango, said he loves their location and added that there are already regulars because students seem to know the business from off campus.
"I definitely use the food stands a lot," said sophomore Jing Guo. "I think it's appropriate for clubs to promote their events there. I also like to sit in the chairs off to the side."
Moneta said the plaza "has begun to do what we hoped" and that plans are continuing to incorporate that space with other spaces around the Bryan Center, such as the new patio behind Armadillo Grill.
The staining of the blue stone and the grass on the raised platform is a concern for University officials, Trask said. He also noted some changes that can still be made to further improve the walkway and Bryan Center, including adding a Starbucks and an Asian restaurant.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.