Syracuse University announced “The University Place Promenade Project”, which will transform University Place into a dynamic pedestrian promenade connecting Bird Library, Schine Student Center and the Newhouse School complex, will get underway in the coming weeks.
Once complete, the project will transform the area from a congested thoroughfare into a pedestrian-friendly promenade featuring activated plazas, improved landscaping, increased ADA-accessibility and a greater sense of physical connectedness for all members of the campus community.
As a result of recent feedback from some members of the Syracuse University campus community, the project, which was originally scheduled to begin May 16, was rescheduled to begin in the coming weeks. As a result of feedback, the university’s Office of Campus Planning, Design and Construction has made a number of revisions to the project, including:
- scaling back the size of the construction footprint area as much as possible;
- working closely with building coordinators to reduce impact on surrounding buildings during construction;
- providing a detailed project timeline to allow buildings near the work site to adequately prepare for construction;
- increasing University staff on the site to further mitigate impact on students, faculty, staff and visitors; and
- postponing construction of outdoor seating along the Promenade to provide the campus community alternative seating choices.
The project, part of the University’s Campus Framework, is an initiative that will dramatically enhance the campus landscape and improve the student experience. The Promenade will create a greater sense of physical connectedness for all members of the campus community and calls for converting University Place, from Newhouse all the way to the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center, into a primarily pedestrian space, which will be fully accessible.
“I appreciate all the feedback students, faculty and staff have provided on this project for the past year, including during the past several weeks,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “All of this interaction will make this project better, and our outreach and communication moving forward stronger.”
“We’ve taken the last several weeks to do additional outreach to building coordinators about the project and will increase staff presence on site to assist faculty, staff and visitors with questions. We’ve reduced the footprint of the construction project and will continue to share our progress on these exciting improvements,” says Pete Sala, vice president and chief facilities officer.
During construction a significant portion of University Place—from College Place to South Crouse Avenue—will be closed to all vehicular traffic, with the exception of police, fire, emergency and maintenance vehicles. Traffic will be rerouted as a result, and comprehensive signage communicating detours will be prominently displayed. In addition, accessible routes will be created to ensure all community members and visitors have access to campus.
Accessibility, Parking, and Transportation
Beginning Friday, June 3, the existing bus routes that utilize University Place will be rerouted to Comstock Avenue and Waverly Avenue. Prior to the closure of University Place, curbside signage will be installed at both the new and existing bus stop locations. Further information and schedule updates are available on the Centro website.
- During construction, only the Quad 2 Lot will be closed for a portion of this project. A new drive lane to the Quad 2 Lot from College Place will be immediately constructed, and open in mid-June. Each individual who parks in Quad 2 has already been personally notified of this change. Access to all other parking lots will remain the same. For questions about parking, please contact Parking and Transit Services at parkmail@syr.edu or call 315-443-4652.
- Ensuring accessible routes during construction is very important. Therefore, during the Quad 2 Lot construction, accessible entry to Link Hall will be available through Slocum Hall. Also, a temporary sidewalk will be installed at the accessible entry to Lyman Hall during construction to allow for the installation of a permanent accessible walkway. Signage will be prominently displayed. If you have any questions regarding accessibility, please contact Aaron Hodukavich, director and ADA Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services at 315-443-2377 or ajhoduka@syr.edu.
For the latest information on this project and construction please visit the Office of Campus Planning, Design and Construction website or follow @SUCampus on Twitter.
