Housing Committee Announces Results of Review, Acquisition of The Marshall

Updated apartments and suite-stye units for undergraduates living on campus, and additional housing on South Campus for juniors and seniors, graduate students and others are just some of the priority items in Syracuse University’s new housing strategy. The strategy, which follows the completion of a comprehensive housing review that began in 2019, prioritizes student feedback and seeks to meet the needs of today’s undergraduate and graduate students.

In July 2019, Syracuse University announced a holistic review of its on-campus student housing to better understand residential options and determine future needs in support of enriching the student experience. A committee made up of representatives from across campus performed qualitative and quantitative analysis on data collected from engagements with more than 7,000 students, faculty and staff members. The committee solicited input through focus groups, engagement sessions and three separate online surveys. Data collection continued throughout the summer and fall of 2020 to assess the pandemic’s effects on the local housing market and campus housing trends.

“Ultimately, the review process and development of the housing strategy are the first of many steps in a multi-year process,” said Amir Rahnamay-Azar, senior vice president for business, finance and administrative services and chief financial officer. “The housing strategy is a roadmap for the University and will guide housing decisions for years to come.”

Findings and Insight

The housing committee drew four major conclusions:

• The current mix of on-campus housing unit types needs to be better aligned with student preferences.
• Students want the University to create community building initiatives and expand access to student services in designated “neighborhoods.”
• There is considerable interest in housing opportunities in neighborhoods adjacent to Main Campus among professional and online students, and faculty and staff.
• Feedback on South Campus indicates that many different cohorts are attracted to the space due to a variety of factors, including its proximity to the athletics facilities on Colvin Street and Comstock Avenue.

Aligning Insight with Strategy

With these conclusions in mind, the University is now focused on aligning action with insights gained through the housing review, namely by:

• Providing more options for students interested in living University housing on Main Campus by expanding its housing portfolio to include the addition of apartment and suite-style units with updated amenities.
• Pursuing modifications to the Guaranteed Mortgage Program, specifically adjusting the program’s geographic scope to target neighborhoods immediately adjacent Main Campus, including, for the first time, a large area west of campus. The review identified the East Neighborhood and the South Side of Syracuse as areas of residential opportunities for faculty and staff members looking to live within walking or biking distance of Main Campus. In addition, the University is assessing other enhancements to the program intended to encourage owner-occupation and home improvements.
• Exploring options to add additional housing for senior-level and graduate students, veterans and their families, and alumni and retirement-age cohorts on South Campus.

Acquisition of The Marshall

This week, the University began the process of fulfilling the goals set out in the housing review by acquiring The Marshall, a 287-bed housing complex located at 727 S. Crouse Ave. The building contains studio apartments, along with one-, two- and four-bedroom units. The room typology and amenities aligned well with the expressed preferences of upper-level undergraduate students surveyed as part of the University’s multi-year housing review. In the next few days, students who have signed leases with The Marshall for the 2021-22 academic year will be contacted directly and provided information about the transition of ownership. Current property management will continue to provide a variety of services through the 2021-22 academic year.

First Step Complete, Many More to Go

In addition to the acquisition of The Marshall, more updates will be provided as the University evaluates all options in an effort to respond to the findings of the housing committee. Leaders from BFAS and Enrollment and the Student Experience will continue to provide updates throughout the process.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors close the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives, and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches. Together, we’re a powerful community that moves ideas, individuals and impact beyond what’s possible.