Salt Lake Tribune's article on The Bunnell

Don Meyers of the Salt Lake Tribune has written a fantastic article that not only chronicles our plans for renovating the Bunnell Pioneer Home but also digs into the history of the home. Check it out here:

UVSC staff, students seek $500K to make historic farmhouse a campus cafe
(Salt Lake Tribune, December 10 2007)

It appears on the front page of the Utah section in today's paper and is also featured prominently on the Trib's web page. I have included a link to this page in the comments section...feel free to leave a nice comment there yourself.

Back inside The Bunnell

Don Meyers from the Salt Lake Tribune came by UVSC today to interview Alex and myself about The Bunnell Cafe idea. Joining us was Helen Bunnell Weeks and her husband Clyde, as well as Travis and Dominic.

It was great to stand with Helen in her old house and hear stories of her childhood. We also talked about our plans for the restoration and revitalization of the home. Alex even got Helen to climb the spiral staircase and check out the attic space...an amazing feat considering that Helen has always detested the addition. Alex just may have convinced her that keeping it might not be such a bad thing. Helen also loved the idea of selling "Bunnell Bricks" to donors...and trust me...there are plenty of bricks in that place.

We are not sure yet when Don's story will be in the Trib, but as soon as we know more so shall you. At one point during our tour of the home Don leaned over to me and said that the enthusiasm for this project seemed contagious. He hit the nail on the head.

I also spoke with Rodger Hardy of the Deseret News last Friday and I believe he is also working on a story about The Bunnell.

Meeting with Kris Coles

Travis and I met with Kris Coles, UVSC student body president, this afternoon and he seems quite receptive to the idea of The Bunnell Cafe. We discussed some various funding issues. We are hoping to put together the money needed to pay for a comprehensive architectural/engineering survey. If we can get a solid figure on what the remodel will cost than we can decide how (or if) to move forward. Kris will be speaking with his executive council after the holiday weekend.

Article in the college times

Here is the link to story that appeared in today's edition of The College Times:

The Bunnell Café: UVSC's cup of joe

Because of the holiday weekend this issue will be on the stands for two weeks. Pick up a hard copy, and check out all the cool pictures (thanks again to Don LaVange and Mark Johnston).

I had some good discussions with various folks from around campus over the weekend. Everyone seems positive and supportive. I am meeting with Student Body President Kris Coles tomorrow...and I'll be sure to keep you guys posted on the latest developments.

New Bunnell Pics courtesy of The College Times

A story about the Bunnell project will be the on the front page of The College Times Life section this Monday, and photographer Mark Johnston has been kind enough to let us use the photos he shot for the spread. I just loaded them on to the flickr page, so enjoy.

And a big thanks to our friends over at The College Times for getting the word out. Thanks Jack, Mark, Luke, Eleanor...all you crazy kids!

Getting to know the history of the Bunnell

This afternoon Alex and I got a chance to visit with Helen Bunnell Weeks, who grew up in the Bunnell home, and let me tell you...you could not hope to meet a sweeter woman. She has done an extensive history of the home and the surrounding area, and is literally the resident expert when it comes to all things Bunnell. We know she will prove to be an invaluable resource throughout the process.

And best of all, she really likes the idea of The Bunnell Cafe! She is excited about the idea of having a place on campus for students that is open and inviting...and she thinks the Bunnell could be just the place.

Tour of the Bunnell

thebunnell-6859.jpg
Originally uploaded by thebunnell

Vegor, Alex, and Don got a chance to tour the Bunnell this morning thanks to VP of facilities Jim Michaelis. It is actually better than we imagined! Such a cool little space.

Of course right now it is filled with chairs and other assorted odds and ends...and it looks like some birds have had a good ol' time in the attic. But it just seems to ooze potential.

Head on over to our new flickr account to check out some photos, courtesy of Mr. LaVange:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebunnell

We really got the feeling that our idea is possible (Caldiero would say inevitable). Jim Michaelis basically said that it is completely doable with the right funding. Of course money is the magic word, but we think when people catch on to the idea that the funding will follow.

In other Bunnell news, Alex and Vegor will be visiting with Helen Bunnell Weeks this Thursday, and The College Times will be writing up a story on the project for the next issue.

What's next?

We have been so overwhelmed with the response to our idea for The Bunnell Cafe. Thanks to everyone who has e-mailed, or commented (keep 'em coming....we need your feedback). Next week Alex, myself, and a few others are going to tour the Bunnell Home with Facilities VP Jim Michaelis. We will let you know how that goes, and of course we'll post plenty of pictures.

In the meantime, enjoy this picture of the Bunnell in it's former glory:

Building Campus Culture

UVSC has always had something of an identity crisis. So often we hear the complaint that our campus doesn't always feel like a typical college campus. It is hard to put a finger on it...but it almost feels like something is missing.

We think we might have found what is missing from UVSC. It needs a heart. A hearth. A home. A central location where students, faculty and staff can mingle freely without the demands of the classroom. A place where the fruits of our education can be given a forum. A place where conversation is king. And a place where you can get a decent cup of coffee.

A few of us folks who long for such a place think the Bunnell Pioneer Home could become the heart of the campus. Imagine fixing up that old farmhouse...one of the oldest homes still standing in all of Orem...and turning it into a first rate cafe. A little nook amid the bustle of this busy campus.

Let's use this resource, instead of just letting it rot away. The Bunnell is filled with a sense of history and tradition...it shouldn't be a warehouse for chairs and assorted junk. It should be a meeting place, a respite from a hectic day. Let's use the character of this building to help foster a sense of community and culture at UVSC.

Why isn't there one place on campus where music, poetry and art can all be enjoyed. A place to read the paper, get a coffee or a juice, and be exposed to to all kinds of ideas and influences.

Of course this venture will cost money...some estimates put the figure close to $250,000. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and as such cannot be torn down. The school will eventually need to do something with the home...why not make it something special.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, or maybe you would like to help our campaign, send an e-mail to thebunnell@gmail.com

Thanks!