Merrill Hall To Take 'Eco-Friendly' Structure

When a fire set by eco-terrorists destroyed most of Merrill Hall in May of 2001, the Center for Urban Horticulture (CUH) lost essential lab and office space used by faculty, staff and more than 40 graduate students.

Since the fire, CUH has been conducting its research in trailers supplied by the University. However, Merrill Hall is under construction. When it is completed in September, CUH will be able to move into a new and improved facility.

"We're really looking forward to the new building," said Sarah Reichard, an assistant professor of ecosystems sciences who lost her office space to the 2001 fire. "It has been very stressful just trying to survive."

Construction on the hall began in December. When restored, the building will be 5,000 square feet larger and a much more ecologically friendly facility.