Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
I hope the semester is going well for you as we move into fall.
I would like to provide an update on four major construction projects that will transform our campus over the next few years as the University continues to advance its comprehensive housing strategy. The projects will involve some sidewalk closures and traffic detours, though every effort will be made to minimize disruption to campus community members.
The projects will also increase the amount of large truck traffic on campus. The team at Campus, Planning, Design and Construction is working closely with each of the project contractors to direct much of the heavy truck traffic away from the heart of campus, but we urge all campus community members to remain alert and pay attention to all posted signage, flaggers and fencing in place for your safety.
544 University Place: Throughout the summer, major sitework was completed along Ostrom Avenue at the site of the new residence hall, and large portions of the building foundation have been put in place. Vertical construction will start this month.
Sidewalks in the area remain closed and pedestrian detours remain in place along Ostrom Avenue.
Waverly Avenue Residence Hall and Dining Center and Comstock Avenue Residence Hall: The demolition of the former Kimmel and Marion residence halls was completed last semester. Demolition of Comstock Avenue Garage has begun. As previously announced, this will clear the way for the construction of two new residence halls and a new dining center.
As the demolition of the garage and construction of the two buildings begins, campus community members will experience additional pedestrian detours in the area. In addition, the block of Comstock Avenue in front of Comstock Avenue Garage will close fully during construction, necessitating a detour onto Ostrom Avenue and Marshall Street.
University Avenue Hotel: Construction will begin later this month on the University’s new full-service hotel. Located on the former University Avenue North and South parking lots, pedestrians and drivers can expect to see construction fencing in place within the next few weeks.
The planned hotel, announced as part of the Graduate by Hilton portfolio, will feature approximately 200 rooms; on-site parking; a full-service, three-meal restaurant and event space. A rooftop bar and lounge will offer stunning views of campus, creating a space for both hotel guests and members of the Central New York community to gather.
If you have any construction-related questions, comments or suggestions, please email cpdc@syr.edu. For parking concerns, call Parking and Transportation Services at 315.443.4652.
Thank you,
Pete Sala
Vice President and Chief Campus Facilities Officer