News Reporter

Nearly one year after a series of meetings were held to map out a plan for renovation of the Communication Building courtyard, little has changed.

In fact, the only alterations to the barren, rocky space have been caused by nature or passersby. Still, those behind last year's courtyard renovation project have visions of a beautiful future for the little area.

Fred Schiff, a communication professor, initiated a renovation effort which would update the courtyard by the spring 1999 semester.

"(The courtyard) is not a very attractive place. We could improve this by creating social support in the community," Schiff said.

"We have a lot of ideas such as a patio and a garden along with high-tech phone outlets," he added. "Not just students, but faculty could enjoy it also."

Three proposals were submitted for votes by people who use the building last spring. The plan that received the most votes incorporated elements such as seating areas, brick walkways and a possible video projection device that would display slides on a blank wall.

To begin any actual work, $10,000 to $15,000 must be raised, an effort begun last year with a barbecue luncheon and pledges from various organizations in the community.

Some campus groups are also backing the project, including the School of Theater, the Department of Student Publications and KUHF radio.

Communication student Gary Woods said he became interested in the project while taking a class from Schiff and has since worked closely with the professor in gathering support.

"We have about 12 organizations pledged, so we hope to start the project around May of 1999," Woods said.

One fund-raising idea suggested last spring was to sell bricks to pave the courtyard walkways at $60 each. Each brick would bear an engraved name selected by the buyers.

Schiff said he thinks selling bricks would bring a much-needed sense of unity and community to the School of Communication and the university.

Woods said he hopes the creation of a garden area will lure people into the courtyard not only to walk through it, but also to use the area for relaxation and study.

He claims the barren courtyard draws more trash and cigarette butts than students, creating an ugly area no one would want to enjoy.

Greenery was an often-discussed issue in last year's courtyard meetings. All the proposed plans for renovation call for plants, but the enclosed courtyard suffers from a lack of constant sunlight.

Woods said the solution to that problem would be to introduce plants that don't require much light.

"Back in 1990, UH has an economic summit and they planted some plants, but those only lasted for a brief time," he said. "Now the courtyard is very unattractive and bare because the plants don't get enough sun. We plan on planting plants that work well with shade, so this won't be a problem."

Schiff said work on planning the project has been going well. "A number of people have been very supportive with the project," he said. "We have people brainstorming and volunteering. All see it as beneficiary to the school."

If all goes smoothly, renovation of the area is expected to begin as early as August or September of this year and would be completed by May 1999.