The 2000 senior class gift — a greenhouse next to Old Botany — is likely to cost more than anticipated and, as a result, might never see daylight.

Plans to rebuild the historic greenhouse are on hold as the university seeks alumni input to decide what to do with the money that the class raised for the cause.

"Building the greenhouse has been much more expensive than anticipated," said Mike Bezilla, director of communications for university development.

The development office oversees fund-raising efforts of all sorts, including senior class gifts.

Bezilla wasn't sure about the specific costs of the greenhouse, but he said the development office will not make any decision about the project without first consulting with the class.

"I can say this: No matter how the gift is ultimately directed, it will be directed with input from that senior class," Bezilla said.

The greenhouse would restore one that was once attached to Old Botany, the oldest academic building still standing at University Park. Old Botany, constructed in 1887, is located between Schwab Auditorium and the Burrowes Building.

The class gift proposal, which the Class of 2000 favored in a vote, included the installation of an environmental system called a Living Machine. Living Machines, which were developed by John Todd at the University of Vermont, use plants and animals to filter contaminated water.

In response to the greenhouse delay, an e-mail began to circulate asking for students to rally at Old Botany at noon Friday to show their support for the greenhouse.

Erin English (senior-chemical engineering), who interned at the non-profit organization that makes Living Machines and researched them as part of an independent study class, said she sent the e-mail to raise awareness to the gift's trouble.

"There's a large group of students who are concerned about this," English said.

According to the letter, which came from English, the university has estimated the cost of the greenhouse at about $530,000. The class raised close to $140,000, according to the letter.

In addition to the class gift funds, the state Department of Environmental Protection has pledged money to the Living Machines project.

"We are in jeopardy of losing the grant if the greenhouse goes, too," English said.