We could not be more thrilled to announce the completion of the College of Humanities McCauslin-Smith Gardens at the University of Arizona Poetry Center! This donor-funded greenspace completes a vision for a welcoming entryway into the Poetry Center from the south. Incorporating design elements from the Poetry Center building's unique architectural features, the area was designed by Line and Space Architects (the same firm that designed the Helen S. Schaefer Building, the Poetry Center's home), and was completed by Lloyd Construction. Reclaiming an alleyway that had been maintained as a utility easement, the project included relocating utilities and converting the alleyway space into a welcoming landscape that will support public engagement, quiet reflection, and native wildlife.
The McCauslin-Smith Gardens have been designed around the existing Hillman Odeum, the beloved prominent focal point and public stage area included in the original 2007 Poetry Center building. Improvements to the Odeum as part of this project include an expanded stage area and improved accessibility for greater use by all.
Native and desert-adapted plants are featured across five distinct garden areas and includes salvaged plants from the Tucson Succulent Society. Additionally, new trees have been included that over time will complement and add to the existing shade provided by two large mesquite trees. Designed for water retention, the garden areas had a recent test run with the significant rains of October 2025, and performed as hoped. The named garden areas include Bubbe's Garden, named with support from David, Ashley, and Morrison Hazan in honor of Soozie Hazan; the Apostrophe Garden, named with support from an anonymous donor, and the Sculpture Garden, named with support from Tim and Anne Schaffner. Over time, as plants establish roots and grow, they will fill in the space with significant and exciting greenery.
An additional greenery component will come from the vertical screen trellises, included to help a create sense of enclosure and shield the busyness of the rear side of the adjacent building. Over time, the vines will establish and spread throughout the steel mesh and further define experiences in the space.
Prominent new gathering areas for groups large and small are featured, including the Humanities Seminars Program Gathering Plaza. With included benches, these areas promise to not just welcome students on class breaks but also to support a range of additional activities--from poetry readings to youth field trips to receptions to other exciting new uses.
Accessibility has been integrated throughout the design, including new paved walkway access to all areas. A new connecting corridor creates new access to the Bamboo garden at the Poetry Center, creating all-outdoor access to this area that was part of the original build.
The re-envisioned garden area also inlcudes a new home for Look to the Mesa, a sculpture created by Hopi artist Kim Obrzut and gifted to the Poetry Center by former University of Arizona President John Schaefer in memory of his late wife Helen S. Schaefer, the namesame of our landmark facility. Look to the Mesa is positioned prominently at the entryway of the Poetry Center, to both welcome visitors in, while gazing out on the newly created space. You can learn more about the sculpture in this article from Arizona Alumni Magazine.
Together, these improvements promise to create new ways for the College of Humanities and Poetry Center to engage with audiences. As the Poetry Center deepens its investments in the Belonging Initiative, we are excited to welcome you to the McCauslin-Smith Gardens--a place where we very hope you'll feel you belong.