It has been almost a year since the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house on the corner of Hill and State streets burned down. The house's remnants were removed in early summer and all that remains today is a vacant, dirt-covered lot.
The University's Board of Regents does have a plan for the land, however. The board recently voted to put a temporary parking lot in the area, but long-term plans involve the construction of a Law School building.
A group of three students has come up with a slightly different idea about what should be done with the empty lot.
Matthew Pierle, an RC junior, is interested in making the lot into a park.
"There seems to be a lot of positive, growing energy about looking into this option," Pierle said. "It can benefit every single person in the University community."
LSA junior Michelle Ferrarese, who agrees with Pierle on his proposal for how to use the lot, said that it would be great to have a park there instead of a parking lot because a park would benefit the whole community.
"Something needs to be done with the empty lot. It is an awesome place for green rather than cement," Ferrarese said.
According to the University Planning Office, the regents decided to construct a new building because of limited space for expansion at the University.
A Law School building is the "most logical" possibility for the use of the land because of the school's growth and needs, said University Planner Fred Mayer.
"The number of major building sites on Central Campus can be counted on the fingers of one hand," Mayer said.
Pierle and Ferrarese both disagreed with the board's decision because they believe the parking lot will benefit only those who have cars. Ferrarese said a park would allow everyone to participate in its beauty.
"A park is where everybody is welcome," Perle said. "We need places like that."
LSA senior Jack Porretta also agrees that the land should be used for a park.
"(The University's) use for a parking lot is futile," Porretta said. "There is already so much construction and there needs to be an open productive space for students to interact."
Pierle suggested people look at the issue from a biological and environmental standpoint.
"It is disheartening from an ecological and human perspective that people don't feel a connection to the land," Pierle said.
He also said a park's "natural beauty" would slow down the pace of the busy intersection on which the lot is located.
"Expect to see a petition and other opposition opportunities for students to get involved in," Porretta said, adding that he plans to circulate information about the future use of the lot.
Pierle said he hopes the effort to put a park in the area will be backed by a coalition of different students, rather than a club.
Ferrarese, Pierle and Porretta said their efforts are not linked to any existing campus group.