Current construction at Notre Dame's Irish Green, which includes the addition of a new entrance inspired by Irish landscapes, will conclude in the coming weeks, University Architect Doug Marsh said.
The new entrance to Irish Green at the intersection of Angela Boulevard and Eddy Street will have stones and plantings based on natural Irish landscapes, Marsh said. Other additions include a seating wall and a new sign.
"The setting of the Irish Green gives us the opportunity to introduce some beautiful natural materials unique to campus such as the Chilton limestone that comprises the new seating wall and monument sign signifying the Irish Green," Marsh said.
The University began making both structural and landscaping changes to Irish Green last semester, Marsh said, such as adding more trees and benches.
"These enhancements were originally planned at the outset of the [Irish Green] project," Marsh said, "but have been incrementally designed in response to how we saw this new campus open space used by the Notre Dame and broader South Bend communities."
Marsh said Irish Green was meant to be a versatile space.
"The Irish Green dedicates a tremendous amount of open space … that is open for all to enjoy for a variety of occasions or purposes," Marsh said, "such for special campus events like [football] Game Day or a concert on the lawn, for a campus walk, for a place to picnic or read a book, or for just traveling through on the way to Eddy Street Commons."
Marsh said he hopes the current construction will allow Irish Green to become a greater connection between Notre Dame's campus and the South Bend community.
"From large expanses of lawn to shaded walks and sitting areas, the Irish Green serves as both a destination as well as place of transition from campus-to-community and community-to-campus," Marsh said. "Once completed, the work currently underway will underscore both of these purposes and will continue to do so, especially as the landscape grows and matures in the years ahead."
