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The Daily OrangeEconomy halts plans for SU bookstore, gym center
By Ricky Casiano
Posted: 10/1/09, 3:47 AM EST Section: News
Syracuse University is still in talks with developers about constructing a new university building that would house a bookstore and athletic facility. University officials could not guarantee that the facility will be built at all.
The project was announced last December as the next major construction project for SU but has yet to take off, said Eric Beattie, SU's director of Campus Planning, Design and Construction. He declined to provide the building's construction budget. No official plans have been made on the construction of the new student facility on University Avenue due largely to the current state of the economy.
"It's not the greatest time to build, it is an expensive building," Beattie said. Tight-lending markets in a weak economy are the university's major challenge, he added, making it hard to finance the project.
The facility is in the process of getting state approval. SU would like to be cautious about starting a new project without sufficient funds in the poor economy, Beattie said.
Gale Youmell, manager of the SU Bookstore in Schine Student Center, said no plans have been made yet for the bookstore's move and no announcements have been made regarding what will replace the bookstore in Schine.
Beattie would not release the name of the potential developer, but it is expected to be Cameron Group LLC, a Syracuse-based commercial development organization.
The developer has been in serious talks with the university for two years about the construction plans, and has no choice but to wait it out for now, said Tom Valenti, manager of Cameron Group.
"As developers, we'd like to start building tomorrow," Valenti said. "But right now I think in the difficult economy SU is being prudent and considering how to best employ university dollars for students, parent's benefit, and everyone should respect the university's decision."
The proposed facility would be 54,400 square feet, twice the size of the bookstore in Schine. The fitness center will occupy 47,700 square feet. The fitness center in Ernie Davis Hall, to open in the spring, will occupy only 8,600 square feet.
Retail stores will take over the additional 7,890 square feet proposed in the plan.
SU has reviewed a number of potential designs but has not chosen anything official in its talks with developers, Beattie said.
Valenti said they have not signed an agreement with SU at this time and are unable to give further details about the ongoing project.
"SU is looking at different sizes and configurations of buildings (for the student facility). What the alternatives are I am not at liberty to say," Valenti said.
Kevin Morrow, an SU spokesman, said the university has made some progress with the plans, but is still evaluating whether or not it is a feasible investment at this point. Discussions continue with developers, he said.
rncasian@syr.edu
The project was announced last December as the next major construction project for SU but has yet to take off, said Eric Beattie, SU's director of Campus Planning, Design and Construction. He declined to provide the building's construction budget. No official plans have been made on the construction of the new student facility on University Avenue due largely to the current state of the economy.
"It's not the greatest time to build, it is an expensive building," Beattie said. Tight-lending markets in a weak economy are the university's major challenge, he added, making it hard to finance the project.
The facility is in the process of getting state approval. SU would like to be cautious about starting a new project without sufficient funds in the poor economy, Beattie said.
Gale Youmell, manager of the SU Bookstore in Schine Student Center, said no plans have been made yet for the bookstore's move and no announcements have been made regarding what will replace the bookstore in Schine.
Beattie would not release the name of the potential developer, but it is expected to be Cameron Group LLC, a Syracuse-based commercial development organization.
The developer has been in serious talks with the university for two years about the construction plans, and has no choice but to wait it out for now, said Tom Valenti, manager of Cameron Group.
"As developers, we'd like to start building tomorrow," Valenti said. "But right now I think in the difficult economy SU is being prudent and considering how to best employ university dollars for students, parent's benefit, and everyone should respect the university's decision."
The proposed facility would be 54,400 square feet, twice the size of the bookstore in Schine. The fitness center will occupy 47,700 square feet. The fitness center in Ernie Davis Hall, to open in the spring, will occupy only 8,600 square feet.
Retail stores will take over the additional 7,890 square feet proposed in the plan.
SU has reviewed a number of potential designs but has not chosen anything official in its talks with developers, Beattie said.
Valenti said they have not signed an agreement with SU at this time and are unable to give further details about the ongoing project.
"SU is looking at different sizes and configurations of buildings (for the student facility). What the alternatives are I am not at liberty to say," Valenti said.
Kevin Morrow, an SU spokesman, said the university has made some progress with the plans, but is still evaluating whether or not it is a feasible investment at this point. Discussions continue with developers, he said.
rncasian@syr.edu
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