Balancing Preservation and Progress
GROWTH began this redevelopment with the intent to restore the arboretum. We are take our responsibility of preserving as many historical elements on this campus as possible seriously, at the same time stating that not all things can be saved. We understand the community’s excitement for the campus’s future, as well as the difficulty in seeing some of its history and trees not make it through the redevelopment process. While progress supports the broader vision of sustaining this historic site, we ask for the community’s understanding that not all elements can be preserved.
Tree removal is not something we take lightly; we carefully assess each situation to ensure it is absolutely necessary. We understand the historic value of this campus and the community’s strong connection to its trees. Old trees can pose serious risks, so we approach these decisions with care and responsibility. We continue to seek your support and understanding as we make difficult choices.
Arboretum Timing
GROWTH plans to begin the application process to restore the Frances Shimer Arboretum in 2025 at a time the construction for the apartments and the childcare center is close to completion. This timing is connected to the construction timeline with the intent to align the re-establishment of the Arboretum at the time when we reopen the campus for community use.
We’ve been in close consultation with ArbNet, the organization that originally accredited the arboretum in 2013, and they are confident the arboretum will regain its Level 1 status when we reapply. In our discussions, ArbNet offered guidance on tree removal, focusing on those that have reached the end of their life cycle and could pose risks to future residents. They understand our need to remove certain trees.
Assessment & Replanting
GROWTH will work with a certified arborist to assess the trees. We have inventoried and recorded each tree’s species and location and will be replanting the trees that needed removal. We hope to make this a community event with more information to come.
Tree removal is not something we take lightly; we carefully assess each situation to ensure it is absolutely necessary. We understand the historic value of this campus and the community’s strong connection to its trees. Old trees can pose serious risks, so we approach these decisions with care and responsibility. We continue to seek your support and understanding as we make difficult choices.
Arboretum Timing
GROWTH plans to begin the application process to restore the Frances Shimer Arboretum in 2025 at a time the construction for the apartments and the childcare center is close to completion. This timing is connected to the construction timeline with the intent to align the re-establishment of the Arboretum at the time when we reopen the campus for community use.
We’ve been in close consultation with ArbNet, the organization that originally accredited the arboretum in 2013, and they are confident the arboretum will regain its Level 1 status when we reapply. In our discussions, ArbNet offered guidance on tree removal, focusing on those that have reached the end of their life cycle and could pose risks to future residents. They understand our need to remove certain trees.
Assessment & Replanting
GROWTH will work with a certified arborist to assess the trees. We have inventoried and recorded each tree’s species and location and will be replanting the trees that needed removal. We hope to make this a community event with more information to come.
We know how important the trees at Shimer Square are to the community, and we share your desire to preserve as many as possible. However, our responsibility is also to ensure safety. While some trees may look healthy on the outside, our expert assessments have revealed that several are rotting at the core, creating a hazardous environment. Removing these trees is a difficult but necessary step to protect both the community and the future of the site. We appreciate your understanding as we work to maintain a balance between preservation and safety at Shimer Square.
