Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Campus & Community

Campus Planning, Design and Construction Makes Progress on Creating More Accessible and Equitable Campus

Tuesday, April 23, 2024, By Jennifer DeMarchi
Share
accessibilityDiversity and InclusionOffice of the Chief Financial Officer

Throughout the 2023-24 academic year, the Office of Campus Planning, Design and Construction (CPDC) has undertaken over a dozen projects spread across campus in support of the initiatives of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan. Several projects are still underway, with more to come in the 2024-25 academic year.

The projects vary greatly in size and scope–from elevator renovations and installations to major, ADA-accessible renovations at Link Hall and in the JMA Wireless Dome.

“As CPDC, we take very seriously the need to incorporate enhanced access into all upgrades to current facilities and the design and construction of new facilities,” says Pete Sala, vice president and chief campus facilities officer. “I’m proud of the work our team has done this year to continue to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity throughout campus, knowing that we can and will do more to meet the needs of all campus community members.”

Exterior of Link Hall

Accessible entry to Link Hall

Major projects this past year included the Allyn Innovation Center, which added accessible entries and an auditorium to Link Hall; complete renovations with comprehensive accessibility updates to two auditoria (101 and 102) in Newhouse; elevator installation and an accessible restroom at the Regent Theater at Syracuse Stage; and the Phase 2 renovations at the JMA Wireless Dome, which have included Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements, such as widening of aisles to 48 inches, improving vomitory ramps, construction of new ADA seating platforms and railing replacements.

Inside of an auditorium

Accessible Newhouse auditorium

Ongoing residence hall renovations also give CPDC the opportunity to create more accessible spaces for students, said Sala. Renovations at Haven, Dellplain and Watson created rooms specifically designed for students with mobility needs. Bed shakers were installed at 727 South Crouse Ave. (formerly The Marshall), for rooms used by deaf students. Dellplain Hall is now home to the first low-stimulus room on campus, to be used by students who need a quiet place away from external stimuli.

CPDC was also proud to contribute to the renovation of 113 Euclid Avenue, the expanded home to the Native Student Program. Renovations to the building included a remodeled kitchen, elevator installation, accessible ramp and new sidewalk, updated fire alarm and sprinkler systems, new flooring and paint throughout the building, new doors and hardware, furniture upgrades, audio visual upgrades in conference rooms, and exterior refurbishment, paint and lighting. Additional highlights of the renovated space include the following:

  • a culture room dedicated to revitalizing Indigenous languages and traditional regalia,
  • fireplace lounge with beanbag chairs and
  • Indigenous artwork pieces.
Open stairwell with a mural on the wall with a sea turtle.

113 Euclid renovation

“‘Practice an inclusive understanding of accessibility’ is one of the five goals of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan,” says Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion Mary Grace A. Almandrez. “The ‘understanding of accessibility’ centers on the idea that people with disabilities experience no barriers to accessing or participating in a space, program or service. The incorporation of accessibility into the CPDC projects is one of the several examples of the University’s commitment to disability access.”

  • Author

Jennifer DeMarchi

  • Recent
  • Arts and Sciences Hosts Inaugural Scholarship and Research Gala
    Friday, May 9, 2025, By Sean Grogan
  • Chancellor Kent Syverud Honored as Distinguished Citizen of the Year at 57th Annual ScoutPower Event
    Thursday, May 8, 2025, By News Staff
  • New Maymester Program Allows Student-Athletes to Develop ‘Democracy Playbook’
    Thursday, May 8, 2025, By Wendy S. Loughlin
  • From Policy to Practice: How AI is Shaping the Future of Education
    Thursday, May 8, 2025, By Christopher Munoz
  • Kohn, Wiklund, Wilmoth Named Distinguished Professors
    Thursday, May 8, 2025, By Wendy S. Loughlin

More In Campus & Community

Arts and Sciences Hosts Inaugural Scholarship and Research Gala

The College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) kicked off a new tradition for recognizing A&S faculty excellence and achievements from over the past year with its inaugural Scholarship and Research Gala. The May 1 event was held in the Schine…

Chancellor Kent Syverud Honored as Distinguished Citizen of the Year at 57th Annual ScoutPower Event

Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud was recognized by Scouting America, Longhouse Council, as the Distinguished Citizen of the Year at the organization’s 57th annual ScoutPower dinner. The annual fundraiser is one of the biggest scouting events in the nation and…

Kohn, Wiklund, Wilmoth Named Distinguished Professors

Three Syracuse University faculty members have been named Distinguished Professors, one of the University’s highest honors. The designation is granted by the Board of Trustees to faculty who have achieved exceptionally distinguished stature in their academic specialties. The newly named…

Syracuse Athletics Records Highest APR Score in 4 Years

Syracuse University Athletics continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence, as shown in the latest release of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Academic Progress (APR) data. The University earned a single-year score of 989 (out of 1,000) for the…

SOURCE Enables School of Education Undergraduates to Research, Explore Profession

Through a research project funded by the Syracuse Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Engagement (SOURCE), School of Education (SOE) seniors Denaysha Macklin ’25 and Emma Wareing ’25 are continuing research to investigate barriers women of color face in advancing…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.