The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Commons, The

Click on image titles for larger views.

Institution Name: University of Scranton
Original/Historic Place Name: Linden St.
Location on Campus: Linden St. at Monroe Ave.
Date(s) of Construction:

1980	original construction

Designer:
Type of Place: Landscape site
Style: (Glossary)
Significance: history, landscape
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Function:

pre- 1980	other (city street)
ca. 1980-present (2006)	outdoor space (serves as the heart of the campus and primary gathering point for students, faculty and staff, links the upper and lower campus, and is the primary thoroughfare for foot traffic on the campus)

Narrative:
In a landmark moment in the evolution of the campus, the University received permission from the city of Scranton to vacate a portion of Linden Street that bisected several primary campus buildings. Construction to turn the street into the area now known as the Commons began in June of 1980.

Prior to the creation of the Commons, students were forced to dodge traffic between two essential campus buildings: St. Thomas Hall (academic) and the Gunster Student Center. The creation of the Commons dramatically improved safety for students and, more importantly, established a central gathering area for students, faculty and staff.

In the years since it was created, the University has enhanced the Commons through landscaping and lighting. Most recently, a clock was placed in front of the Gunster Student Center. The Commons is also home to most of the University's monumental statues: Jacob and the Angel, Metanoia and the Celebration of Life fountain, Christ the Teacher, and the Doorway of the Soul. New construction along the Commons in the years since it was created includes the Weinberg Memorial Library and Byron Recreation Complex.

References: