|
Until 1970 the Western campus was split into quarters by West Michigan and Gilkison Avenues and Vande Giessen Road. When the city and state ceded a section of West Michigan to WMU in the early 70s, Vande Giessen was also closed off and transformed into a "pedestrian parkway", and dedicated as the "Dalton Promenade".
In order to add visual interest to a long and straight path, the designers added elevation changes to the parkway, creating a series of steps that peaked at the north side of Knauss Hall. However, in 1970 designers and planners were not concerned with the travel impediments this created for the disabled. The 2007 renovation of the Dalton Promenade replaced the tired and aging concrete walks and landscaping, and substituted ramps and gradual elevation changes for the stairsa barrier-free pathway across campus. |
||
 Location Map |
Promenade1973.jpg) Dalton Promenade along Knauss and Dunbar Halls, 1973 |
|
 1970 photo with enlarged dedication plaque |
 Dalton Promenade - 1970 |
|
 Promenade at far left during Dalton Center construction, 1980 |
 Site work and early demolition of Dalton Promenade, 2006 |
|
 2007 - after renovation |
 2007 - after renovation |
|
