Syracuse University to begin demolition work on both Marion and Kimmel Halls

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— Syracuse University on Thursday said it plans to begin demolition of Marion Hall and Kimmel Hall and the Kimmel dining center “later this month” to prepare for two new residence halls. In addition, the demolition of the Comstock Avenue garage is expected to start in early 2025, following the permitting process. Syracuse parking services staff will connect with each Comstock Ave. garage permit holder directly to coordinate new parking assignments, the university said in its announcement. The effort is part of Syracuse University’s work to advance the comprehensive housing strategy that it first announced back in February. The announcement followed the creation of the school’s first housing strategy, which was co-led by Allen Groves, senior VP and chief student experience officer, and Brett Padgett, senior VP and CFO. As part of the group’s work, its members surveyed students to assess their housing expectations, reviewed Syracuse University’s current housing stock, and toured recent renovations and new construction at peer institutions. “A lot of intentional thought around current and future needs and cross-campus collaboration went into developing this housing strategy,” Groves said in the Syracuse University announcement. “Not only is the University focused on enhancing its housing stock for students, but we’re also thinking strategically about how we can create and offer housing options for other important campus constituency groups, including new faculty, staff and graduate students. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this important work and look forward to seeing progress as demolition and construction get underway.” In addition to the new residence halls being built at the former sites of Marion and Kimmel Halls and the Comstock Ave. garage, Syracuse University will also construct a new residence hall at 544 University Place, along Ostrom Avenue, adjacent to Thornden Park. This new facility will house about 570 students. The design is nearing completion, and construction is anticipated to begin early in 2025, the university said.