A stairwell at Grove Apartments on University Street shows part of the wear and tear that has condemned this UT Martin facility. The fate of the space remains uncertain. | Pacer photo / Sarah Johnson
During the past few months, many have been speculating about what is going to become of the-now vacant Grove Apartments, owned by UT Martin and right across University Street from Gooch Hall.
“A portion of the funding required for the demolition of Grove Apartments has been approved,” said Brad Burkett, the interim director of the university’s Physical Plant Operations.
However, Burkett added that university officials are currently waiting on an archaeological study and another level of approval before deciding on a designer for whatever is to come next. Also, more information on the matter will most likely be available mid-March.
David Belote, interim director of Campus Recreation, said that one idea floating around is to turn the property into an extension of Hardy M. Graham Stadium, intended for tailgating and other activities.
Students have many differing opinions on what could fill the space. Social Work senior MyKaila Dye said that she would prefer a new restaurant like Chipotle, while others, like Graphic Design sophomore Emily Head, have mentioned that the school could benefit from increasing available parking with the new open space that the demolition would provide while also being in a great location for it right next to Gooch Hall. Two students, Health and Human Performance senior Brianna Pope and Interdisciplinary Studies senior Cheyenne Deweese, have both said that they think a dog park would be a really fun addition to that area right outside of campus.
Originally built in 1964, the Grove was meant to house the new surplus of married students attending the university after the end of World War II, and eventually single male student units were added in 1967 and 1968.
While the future of the former apartment complex is still currently somewhat up in the air, at this time several plans are being considered that should benefit the university as a whole in the long run.
