Over spring break, the vines on Main Hall were trimmed just below the stucco on the lower section of the building, made of dark-colored bricks, which is more than historically usual.
According to Adam Kramer, the executive director of facilities management and operations, the vines were trimmed more this spring when discoloration showed on the stucco while trimming to the historic second-floor mark, indicating a need for repairs.
To fix stucco, the damaged areas must be filled with stucco repair, similar to fixing holes in drywall. UCCS is working with a contractor to get an estimate on how much repairs will cost, but the total is still unknown.
According to Kramer, repairs will likely begin before the end of April and be completed within a few days.
The vines are typically trimmed so they can grow back healthier. Trimming also ensures the vines aren’t attracting bugs or other small animals into the building, and it minimizes the amount of consistent moisture on the building’s exterior.
According to Kramer, the vines will likely grow to the second floor windows by the end of summer, although the timeline ultimately depends on rainfall.
In the event of a drought, the vines will benefit from the ground irrigation system in front of Main Hall, which waters the roots.
“We’re trying our best to make sure that our environment here at UCCS is maintained as well as it can and clean as it can be, so that we have a good first impression for our prospective students and their family, while still maintaining the historical touches,” he said.
Kramer noted that a portion of vines on the west side of the building were not cut due to a bird’s nest with undisturbed babies.
How the Main Hall appears now. Photo by Josiah Dolan.