New Residence Halls Get Royal Palm Treatment

Terrace Hall and Boswell Hall, Florida College’s newest residence halls, were completely transformed during the past week. The addition of grass, an assortment of flowers, and towering palm trees has turned the impressive buildings into works of art.

The landscaping is entirely the gift of Doug Holmberg, a longtime friend of the College, and husband of alumna Sherry (Lewis) Holmberg ’59.

Holmberg, who owns Holmberg Farms Inc. in Lithia, Fla., has donated plants to FC several times in the past, including recent campus projects such as the Riverwalk, Palm Plaza, and the new Business Building. During the Capital Campaign, he expressed his desire to supply all of the landscaping for the new residence halls.

Close to a year ago, Holmberg began to set aside some plants for cultivation. He wanted mature plants for the landscaping in order to complement the finished buildings. The final product is a breathtaking culmination of Holmberg’s provisions and the design of Garry Hancock, a landscaping designer and installation specialist in Valrico, Fla.

As a tribute to the residence hall’s namesakes, Holmberg accented the landscaping with roses, azaleas, and double yellow hibiscus after inquiring about the favorite flowers of Mr. and Mrs. Boswell.

Besides elevating the look of the campus, the project represents a significant gift from Holmberg–making him one of the lead donors in the entire campaign.