The sidewalk toward the Administration Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the University of Idaho campus. Students, faculty and staff can now welcome the facelift the landmark underwent this summer — the steps at the beginning of Hello Walk.
“The old stairs built in the 1960s were completely removed,” said Benjamin Camp, UI landscape architect.
“Our design and construction was inspired by the original steps built in the early 1900s.”
Camp said the new steps are influenced by the architectural style that is used for the rest of UI’s buildings.
“The steps leading to Hello Walk and the pathway along the Admin Lawn are one of the most visible and important parts of campus,” Camp said. “Tours for students and other people looking at campus always go by the steps, so it’s important to have them look their best.”
Construction started early this summer and will be completed roughly by the end of October, Camp said. The budget totaled $256,600 and was funded through that State of Idaho Permanent Building Fund and administered by the Division of Public Works.
“A few things need to be added before we finish. Wall caps, handrails and historic light fixtures still need to be installed,” Camp said. “And the landscaping around the historic light fixtures needs to be worked on as well.”
Camp said they added two
trail-marking medallions to the steps to signify the connection between UI and the Moscow community.
“The larger of the two is at the bottom of the steps, and a smaller one toward the top,” Camp said. “Although nothing is final yet, in the future we hope the same trail-marking medallions will be repeated from the Admin Building, down to Friendship Square off of Main Street in downtown Moscow.”
Although Hello Walk is used by many people each day, most don’t know the history of the area.
“Most people don’t understand how much history is on Hello Walk,” Andrew Dahlquist, tradition keeper co-chair for the Student Alumni Relations Board said. “Just walking up to the Admin you pass the Spanish-American statue, the Admin steps — it brings attention to the less-known, but still significant parts of UI’s campus.”
The tradition of Hello Walk began in 1920, when former UI President Alfred Upham walked the pathway to the Admin, greeting everyone he passed. Upham strongly encouraged students and faculty to do the same while on Hello Walk.
“I think the design of the new steps bring an older feel that correlates with the rest of campus and brings positive attention to that area of the university,” Dahlquist said.
Maddy Paterson, Dalquist’s tradition keeper co-chair, said completion of the steps will encourage more people to participate in the Hello Walk tradition because it is a different way to make new acquaintances.
“This is my favorite tradition because you get to meet new people in an unusual way,” Paterson said. “Even if you don’t know the person, it’s an enjoyable way to stop and chat with someone new on your way to class.”
Paterson said since most students use Hello Walk, the new renovation will make the pathway more accessable and hopefully enhance students chance to engage in the Hello Walk tradition.