The Old Well on the UNC campus will be renovated this summer to improve accessibility at the local landmark, the school announced Wednesday.

The project will include the installation of a sloped granite walkway which connects surrounding brick pavers with the well’s upper platform, replacing a temporary ramp added in recent years.

An aerial rendering of the new accessibility ramp that will be added to UNC’s old well. (Photo via UNC Facilities Services.)

An at-level rendering of the new accessibility ramp that will be added to UNC’s old well. (Photo via UNC Facilities Services.)

Renovations are expected to begin on May 30 and be completed by August 11, during which time the well will not be accessible. The project deadline is also ten days before the start of UNC’s fall semester. The Old Well is, of course, a major destination for UNC students on the first day of class, as urban legend holds that if a student drinks from the well on that day, they will post a 4.0 GPA during that semester (the author of this article has proven this to be untrue).

The granite used in the renovations will match the granite which makes up the well’s base. Surrounding trees and landscaped areas will remain in place.

During the renovations, fencing will be installed around the well and pedestrians along Cameron Avenue will be rerouted through McCorkle Place. Pedestrians should always follow designated routes and remain alert to construction activity. Vehicular traffic is not anticipated to be affected.

This map shows the estimated construction zone around the Old Well on UNC’s campus, as well as pedestrian detours through McCorkle Place. (Image via UNC)

To learn more about The Old Well, which was first installed in 1795 as a university water source before being renovated to the structure it is today, visit UNC’s webpage dedicated to its history.

Featured image via UNC

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