New apartment complex has potential benefits for university
Syracuse University has plans to lease land to independent contractor Wilmorite to build an apartment complex for students behind Haven Hall. The prospective complex, located at 401 Comstock Ave., seems to be a good logistical move from the University.
The building project doesn’t seem to require a whole lot of financial investment and could make an estimated $100,000 per year for the university. Beyond the financial aspect of the new complex, bringing more housing options to North Campus has few downsides for SU students.
Looking at the apartments from a student perspective, they provide new off-campus housing essentially on campus. The proximity to the Quad and the rent (estimated at $850) have the potential to appeal to students who are locked out of housing or who want an alternative to houses off of Euclid Avenue.
The new housing option would limit the South Campus housing sprawl and prevent the student body from becoming too separated from main campus. The closer students are to campus, the more connected they may feel and the more likely they are to engage with the university, beyond the daily class grind. Main Campus housing projects like this should be expanded by SU in the coming years so students feel connected to the university they go to.
Though the plans are not solidified, there is a lot of potential for success. There aren’t many apartment options on Main Campus. Currently a stumbling block for the university is the city council’s vote to grant the apartment complex tax-free status. Hopefully the council can see this construction as a way to bring in jobs and growth to a financially struggling city and work with the university to help make this building program possible.
