Plaza of the Americas (Gainesville, Florida) facts for kids
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| Established | 1925 |
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| Location | , |
| Campus | University of Florida |
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Plaza of the Americas
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Looking north across the plaza, towards Library West
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 Location in Florida
Location in the United States
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| Built | 1925 |
| Architect | Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. |
The Plaza of the Americas is a lively open space at the heart of the University of Florida campus in Gainesville, Florida. It's a popular spot where students gather, relax, and hold events. You can find it between important buildings like Library West, Peabody Hall, the University Auditorium, and the Chemistry Building.
In 2008, the Plaza of the Americas became part of the University of Florida Campus Historic District. This district is a special area on campus that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Being on this list means it's an important historical place worth protecting.
History of the Plaza
In 1925, a famous landscape architect named Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. created the plans to make the plaza even better. Years later, in 1931, this space was officially named the Plaza of the Americas. This happened during the very first meeting of the Institute of Inter-American Affairs.
During that time, students planted 21 trees around the plaza. They dedicated these new trees to the 21 countries that were invited to the meeting. It was a way to celebrate friendship and connections between different nations.
The Plaza Today
Today, the Plaza of the Americas is a very active place. It's like an unofficial meeting spot for the University of Florida. Students and different groups often use the plaza to share their ideas and opinions. It's a place for discussions and community events.
In November 2016, the plaza began a big makeover. This project cost $2.2 million and added new plants, benches, and sidewalks. The renovations were finished about a year later. A special ceremony was held on November 17, 2017, to celebrate the newly improved plaza.
