Alex and I have been discussing the future of the Bunnell project. One thing we have noticed whenever we speak to UVU administrators about the Cafe aspect of our idea they immediately say, "Well, there is a cafe in the new library." At that point, for them at least, the discussion is over.
While it is true that the new library does indeed serve coffee and has places to sit, it is far from the atmosphere we are trying to create for the Bunnell. This dichotomy between what the administrators consider a cafe and what we think the Bunnell could be, has pointed out that the cafe aspect of our project is really secondary to our aim of saving the structure itself.
During this transitional time as a new president is chosen, and the school is getting used to its new status as a university, we think it is wise to focus on saving the Bunnell Pioneer Home and making it a part of student life.
Of course the cafe portion of the overall plan is still important to the process, but we think focusing on saving the structure itself has the best chance of getting the attention of administrators on campus.
Leave a comment below and tell us what you think of our new focus. We need your feedback in order to craft a plan that will work. Thanks!
VEG
Showing posts with label Alex Caldiero. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alex Caldiero. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
A new school year dawns
With the fall semester just a few weeks away I thought I'd take the time to inform all of you Bunnell Buddies out there about the latest news. As I am sure you have heard Bill Sederburg is leaving his post as head of UVU to be the commissioner of higher ed for the state. Taking his place for the next year while the Board of Regents looks for a new president will be Liz Hitch. Chances are any interim president would be leery of making any huge commitments to groups such as us because any decision could be undone by the new president.
This puts the Bunnell Cafe Project in an interesting position for this upcoming year to say the least. Perhaps this will give us more time to build a wider coalition of support and to flesh out the operational framework.
Alex recently spoke to the person who most recently (about 7 years ago) did a survey of the Bunnell Home, in the hopes of having a new study done at a reduced price. Alex says the conversation went well, and now we just need the school to pony up the cash.
So during this transitional period we are going to continue to collect signatures, raise awareness, and formulate a business plan. Thank you all for your support.
–VEG
This puts the Bunnell Cafe Project in an interesting position for this upcoming year to say the least. Perhaps this will give us more time to build a wider coalition of support and to flesh out the operational framework.
Alex recently spoke to the person who most recently (about 7 years ago) did a survey of the Bunnell Home, in the hopes of having a new study done at a reduced price. Alex says the conversation went well, and now we just need the school to pony up the cash.
So during this transitional period we are going to continue to collect signatures, raise awareness, and formulate a business plan. Thank you all for your support.
–VEG
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Presentation with student Government
Alex and I got a chance to lay out our proposal to the folks in student government this afternoon. I think it went really well. Click the link below and you can have your own version of the presentation we gave them:
Bunnell Presentation
We haven't heard back from them yet...but when we do we will keep you informed.
Bunnell Presentation
We haven't heard back from them yet...but when we do we will keep you informed.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Our meeting with Bill
Alex and I got a chance to sit down with UVSC president Bill Sederburg this afternoon and talk to him about The Bunnell Cafe. He is a busy guy (what with the legislature in session and all) but he still managed to make time for a couple of dreamers.
And best of all he was very supportive of the idea and gave us some great advice for how to go about making it happen. Of course he also hit us with a heavy dose of reality. The project is going to be rather expensive, and there are some on the campus who really covet the land the house is sitting on. We don't blame them...the location is perfect. He wants to see some more concrete plans of how the Cafe will function, and he would like to see it get some more support from the VP level.
But basically Bill said anything is possible with the right funding. It was very encouraging. Next stop is a meeting with student government on February 7th.
And best of all he was very supportive of the idea and gave us some great advice for how to go about making it happen. Of course he also hit us with a heavy dose of reality. The project is going to be rather expensive, and there are some on the campus who really covet the land the house is sitting on. We don't blame them...the location is perfect. He wants to see some more concrete plans of how the Cafe will function, and he would like to see it get some more support from the VP level.
But basically Bill said anything is possible with the right funding. It was very encouraging. Next stop is a meeting with student government on February 7th.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Bunnell article in the Deseret News
The Deseret News has published an article about the Bunnell restoration plans which you can find here:
Old house may become UVSC cafe
But not everyone is convinced of need or site's potential
(Deseret Morning News, Utah Valley Life, January 3 2008)
True...not everyone is convinced, but no one has told us no just yet. And if they did tell us no, we wouldn't believe them.
Old house may become UVSC cafe
But not everyone is convinced of need or site's potential
(Deseret Morning News, Utah Valley Life, January 3 2008)
True...not everyone is convinced, but no one has told us no just yet. And if they did tell us no, we wouldn't believe them.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Tour of the Bunnell
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.
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.
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