Building Bama: Peter Bryce Preserve

In recent years, the Building Bama series has provided updates on new construction projects and renovations on the UA campus. And while we will continue to feature upcoming and ongoing projects in the future, this month’s Building Bama highlights an area of campus that is protected from any type of future development.

In 2018, the UA Board of Trustees passed a resolution creating the Peter Bryce Preserve. According to the resolution, the preserve will be maintained and preserved in perpetuity as a protected, undeveloped space for the enjoyment of future generations.

The preserve, located on the east and west sides of Bryce Lawn Drive leading to Bryce Main, is 23 acres of green space that includes numerous beautiful trees, Adirondack chairs and benches for relaxing, a walking path and the final resting place of mental health pioneer Dr. Peter Bryce and his wife, Ellen.

Visitors will notice 10 small obelisks scattered throughout the preserve that resemble those at the entrance and the Bryce family gravesite. The smaller obelisks mark the boundary of Bryce Preserve and include the standard lighting infrastructure as all other obelisks on the grounds.

The Superintendent’s House — originally constructed in 1892, burned in 1911, and rebuilt in its current configuration in 1913 — underwent an extensive restoration during the summer. The only building located on the Peter Bryce Preserve will be used as a special event and meeting space for the UA System. A large outdoor patio was added on the east side of the house providing a relaxing location to take in beautiful panoramic views of Peter Bryce Preserve and Bryce Main.