Dear Orange Friends:
I am deeply grateful to a large group of Syracuse people who, over the course of the summer, worked hard to improve the physical infrastructure of our campus. There were times this summer when it was difficult to walk ten feet without dodging a construction project , but the results are impressive.
I encourage you, in particular, to check out:
- The new courtyard and landscaping at Watson Hall, which is a much more interesting and pleasant place to be. Last year’s residents of Watson helped with the design ideas, inspiring an outdoor space that includes a paver patio area, plantings, sidewalks and a gas fire pit. Tables, chairs and benches are coming soon.
- The Mount Olympus stair landing. As part of the two-year Sims Drive reconstruction project, spanning from Comstock Avenue to Forestry Drive, the previously covered bottom portion of the Mount Olympus stairs has been replaced with a new open landing. The new landing features granite steps, brick paver landings and a teak bench seating area. Heating in the steps, landings and sidewalks will ensure snow- and ice-free passage in winter, and a new covering structure over the main landing will be installed in September.
- The dramatic new entrance to Shaw Hall on Euclid Avenue. This marks the completion of four summers of renovation. The entrance creates better flow and allows residents access to a new lounge, central recreation space and laundry. The ground level also includes a meeting room for the STEM Learning Community and team rooms for small group work or collaborative study. Shaw’s original elevator has been modernized to stop at all levels, and two new elevators were added as part of this project.
- Sadler Hall’s student rooms, lounges and public areas. In all student rooms the built-ins, furniture and room doors have been replaced. All finishes have been upgraded throughout the residence hall with new flooring and fresh paint schemes. The lobby and main lounge have been completely renovated and the card access entry process is more straightforward.
- Huntington Beard Crouse Hall’s lower level improvements. This comprehensive improvement project included an expansion and renovation of the Kittredge Auditorium, construction of accessible restrooms and a lactation room on the lower level, addition of a second single-occupancy restroom at the Gifford Auditorium Lobby and a fire sprinkler installation and fire alarm upgrade. Provisions were also made to add an elevator stop at the Gifford Auditorium level next summer.
Vice President and Chief Campus Facilities Officer Pete Sala, who recently completed service as interim athletic director, has worked with great teams in the Office of Campus Planning, Design and Construction, Physical Plant and the Grounds Department, along with Housing and the Office of Residence Life, to make this all happen. Thanks to everyone who played a role in getting our campus off to a great start this year.
Chancellor Kent Syverud