The Pit at UNC gets a $200,000 boost toward renovations

COMMUNITY NEWS

CHAPEL HILL—The infamous ‘Pit’ at UNC-Chapel Hill received an additional $200,000 to help with its ongoing renovation project. The Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Services requested the funds during the recent UNC Budget, Finance, and Infrastructure Committee meeting, and the full board approved them on Nov. 6.

The recently appropriated funds are in addition to $150,000 previously approved by the committee.

According to Beth Lutz, the UNC-Chapel Hill Media Relations Manager, this is part of the advanced planning phase, which is still in progress.

What is The Pit?

The Pit is an iconic landmark at UNC, located at the heart of the campus. It is a sunken brick courtyard surrounded by key campus buildings such as the Student Union, Lenoir Hall, Student Stores, and the Undergraduate Library. This central location makes it the ‘social hub of campus.’

Its origins stem from a large mud pit left after the construction of the bookstore and the Student Union in the 1960s. The mud pit was bricked in, leaving two trees in the center.

History of The Pit

The Pit, known as the heart of campus life, has a rich history dating back to 1969. Most believe it was named after a barbecue event held on top of its sunken bricks. A campus legend says approximately 30,000 students pass through The Pit in a 24-hour period. The space has witnessed numerous speeches, performances, and student organization meetings, cementing its status as the ‘social hub of campus.’

However, it has also been the site of disastrous events, adding a layer of complexity to its history.

In 1970, a tragic event occurred at The Pit when James Cates was stabbed to death during an altercation involving students, community members, and a motorcycle gang, according to media reports.

Another incident took place in 2006 when a 22-year-old UNC graduate drove his Jeep into a crowd of students with ‘intent to kill and hurt’ as part of his personal vendetta to avenge ‘Muslim deaths worldwide,’ according to a 2016 Spectrum News article.

The Pit’s plan includes reaching out to donors

Efforts to renovate The Pit are in response to 60-year-old drainage pipes showing their age and flooding the space when it rains. The process could include removing two trees near the center of The Pit. Final plans have not been made as options are still being reviewed.

Wendy Hansley, associate vice chancellor for facilities services, said during the Budget, Finance, and Infrastructure Committee Meeting at the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees Meeting on Nov. 6, “We anticipate using utility funds to do some of the stormwater work, open space funds (which are funds that we use to do exactly this type of work which is landscape improvements) and then we’re also working with the University Development office.”

Michelle Cassell is a seasoned reporter who has covered everything from crime to hurricanes and local politics to human interest over the course of 35 years. As managing editor, she hopes to encourage writers of a wide range of backgrounds and interests in TLR’s coverage of Southern Orange County news.
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