After the Jackson-Madison County Historic Zoning Commission granted the University of Memphis Lambuth approval, demolition of Epworth Hall – a 1920s dormitory – continues.
Located near the corner of Lambuth Boulevard and Maple Street, the aging facility has not been used as a residence hall for 40-plus years.
Once the building has been removed, a garden area – or green space – is in the future plans for the property.
Niles Reddick, vice provost, University of Memphis Lambuth, told NEWSTALK/101.5 FM WNWS.COM during a question and answer session in July, the decision to demolish the 90-year-old building was made because of the lack of use, the deferred maintenance, and potential renovation costs were not realistic.
Several contractors had shared that building a new facility would have been much more realistic.
Faculty, staff, alumni and others will incorporate the Epworth memory into the landscape and garden which will be designed for that space.
Reddick said some of the bricks from the facility will be used for walkways in the area, and a marker will be placed denoting Epworth Hall.
(PHOTO: Epworth Hall, University of Memphis Lambuth)
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