The former site of Meyer Library is now a landscaped open space called Meyer Green. (Photo: L.A. Cicero)

Stanford's newest open space – Meyer Green – opens Tuesday

Meyer Green, a 2.45-acre open space, is located close to several university landmarks, including Green Library, Sweet Hall and the Graduate School of Education.

On Tuesday, Nov. 24, Stanford will open Meyer Green, a landscaped bowl featuring curving walkways and gentle grassy slopes surrounded by groves of eucalyptus and cedar.

Meyer Green is located near several university landmarks, including Green Library, Sweet Hall and the Graduate School of Education. It is the former site of Meyer Library.

L.A. Cicero The towering eucalyptus and cedars in the corners of the green were protected from harm during the demolition of the library, and additional trees were transplanted from other areas of campus.

By razing the library and creating an open space, Stanford has restored one of the original axes of the campus along Escondido – from student residences on the east side of campus to the Main Quad – and created a visual connection between the Law School and Green Library. Hoover Tower looms in the near distance.

Visitors will find pairs of wooden benches along the upper walkway of Meyer Green, which looks down on a paved circle made of colored concrete and stone pavers. Visitors will also find picnic tables scattered around the upper level.

The towering eucalyptus and cedars living in the four corners of the green were protected from harm during the demolition of the library, a four-story building that opened in 1966. The demolition began last February.

Meyer Green's landscaping includes trees transplanted from other areas of campus, including one cedar, five coast live oaks and 11 Japanese pagoda trees. Landscape crews also planted elms, coast live oaks and eucalyptus trees.

The 2.45-acre site also features California coffeeberry shrubs, white flower carpet roses, sage shrubs, fortnight lilies and star jasmine plants.

Groups that would like to reserve the spaces that make up Meyer Green for events, including the entire open space, the four groves or the lawn, can contact the Registrar's Office.

The former occupants of Meyer Library, including the East Asia Library, Academic Computing Services and a 24-hour study room, are now housed in Lathrop Library, which is located directly east of the Oval and adjacent to Memorial Hall.