Moeser hopes to continue his legacy of preservation
Carolina North to have stone walls
By: Ashley Bennett, Staff Writer
Issue date: 6/26/08 Section: University
The striking impression of historic beauty on UNC's main campus is the result of years of preservation efforts, which may continue their tradition at the University's satellite campus, Carolina North.
In order to better preserve the historic buildings, Moeser created the position of campus historic preservation manager, hiring Paul Kapp to lead in the effort.
"When I arrived, one of the things I did was to insist that we had on staff a highly qualified expert," Moeser said. "Someone who understands the proper techniques of the preservation of architectural landmarks."
Since Kapp was hired more than six years ago, he said he has worked to preserve and restore buildings across the historic section of campus, which includes projects as large as Steele Building and as small as the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center sundial.
"My voice is one of many that come to a consensus on how to preserve the buildings and still make them vital to the University's mission," Kapp said.
Moeser and Kapp agreed that the historic buildings were restored with the primary focus on their functionality.
But Moeser added that not every building on campus has been able to meet University needs. The most controversial has been West House, which was demolished in 2006.
Buildings on the main campus, though, are not the only concern for preservation.
Moeser said designs for Carolina North follow a model of environmental sustainability in order to create a "21st century campus." The campus will include the usage of solar energy, environmentally friendly building materials and the retention of storm water, which would limit water usage.
Moeser also added that several of the historical aspects which have been preserved on the University's main campus will be carried over to Carolina North, including a stone wall reminiscent of the one surrounding the main campus.
"Driving up and down Martin Luther King (Blvd.), you're going to see that stone wall bearing the link of that whole campus," Moeser said. "One which I think will clearly identify it as part of the University of North Carolina."
In order to better preserve the historic buildings, Moeser created the position of campus historic preservation manager, hiring Paul Kapp to lead in the effort.
"When I arrived, one of the things I did was to insist that we had on staff a highly qualified expert," Moeser said. "Someone who understands the proper techniques of the preservation of architectural landmarks."
Since Kapp was hired more than six years ago, he said he has worked to preserve and restore buildings across the historic section of campus, which includes projects as large as Steele Building and as small as the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center sundial.
"My voice is one of many that come to a consensus on how to preserve the buildings and still make them vital to the University's mission," Kapp said.
Moeser and Kapp agreed that the historic buildings were restored with the primary focus on their functionality.
But Moeser added that not every building on campus has been able to meet University needs. The most controversial has been West House, which was demolished in 2006.
Buildings on the main campus, though, are not the only concern for preservation.
Moeser said designs for Carolina North follow a model of environmental sustainability in order to create a "21st century campus." The campus will include the usage of solar energy, environmentally friendly building materials and the retention of storm water, which would limit water usage.
Moeser also added that several of the historical aspects which have been preserved on the University's main campus will be carried over to Carolina North, including a stone wall reminiscent of the one surrounding the main campus.
"Driving up and down Martin Luther King (Blvd.), you're going to see that stone wall bearing the link of that whole campus," Moeser said. "One which I think will clearly identify it as part of the University of North Carolina."
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