College of Engineering dedicates the largest rooftop garden in Alabama

Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering hosted a ceremony Friday, Sept. 13, to celebrate the dedication of the Carol Ann Gavin Garden, which connects the newly constructed Brown-Kopel Engineering Student Achievement Center with the newly renovated Gavin Engineering Research Laboratory.

This rooftop garden — the largest in Alabama — covers 44,000 square feet of build out space for the wind tunnel laboratory and future instructional use as part of the Brown-Kopel Center. The garden was made possible through a $2.5 million gift from Charles Gavin, ’59 textile management, family and friends in honor of his late wife.

The open area allows easy access to and from the Brown-Kopel Center and Gavin Laboratory, while also providing students, faculty and staff a tranquil spot to study, eat lunch or relax right in the heart of the engineering campus.

To view the full ceremony, click here.

Prior to the event, the Harbert College of Business dedicated the Chuck Gavin Terrace in honor of Gavin’s son. The terrace sits atop the newly constructed graduate business building, which has been named as Horton-Hardgrave Hall.

Following the garden dedication, the college hosted a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the $44 million Brown-Kopel Center.

“Charles and the entire Gavin family, by making the Gavin Laboratory renovation possible and turning this once dilapidated space into an oasis, you’ve impacted future Auburn engineers for generations to come,” said Christopher B. Roberts, dean of engineering. “Because of your vision, because of your belief in Auburn, and your love for it, this is all possible.”

The garden, which is affectionately known as Carol Ann’s Garden, includes a large mixed French parterre and English knot garden as a tribute to Carol Ann’s love for flowers and gardening. The parterre/knot was designed by Gavin family friend, Jamey Welch.