<p>Here is the reason for this move. I will let you parents decide on its validity. It seems to me to be more of trying to benfit the city of Syracuse than the students. However, you decide.
Sandy, in response to your first question, the University concluded the purchase process for The Warehouse earlier this month and has already begun work on the structure. It is our intention to have all of the renovation work completed in time to begin moving faculty and staff, office equipment, classroom equipment and computers, etc. to The Warehouse in December in preparation for the start of spring semester classes in January. The basic structure will remain intact, so it will have a nice feel, and additional windows and interior amenities will be added. </p>
<p>Please note the potential for disruption to student learning because of construction is the principal reason why students, faculty and staff now working in Slocum Hall are being relocated while that building undergoes its renovation.</p>
<p>Regarding your second question, I believe you'll find the answer in this excerpt I have pulled from an article in the Spring 2005 issue of Syracuse University Magazine, which has just come out:</p>
<p>[School of Architecture Dean Mark] Robbins believes the downtown move is particularly appropriate for the architecture school, which will occupy the renovated West Fayette Street building for two to three years while Slocum Hall is renovated. Architecture intersects with our daily life at literally every turn, he says. The earlier students can begin to learn about interacting with people who may be neighbors or clients, the better. Our obligation is to educate students as broadly as possible in a liberal arts tradition, in a history of ideas. When our students graduate and design buildings, those buildings will have more profound links to the city and the communitylinks that are based on an innovative, inventive understanding of the realities of culture and society.</p>
<p>The building, now referred to as The Warehouse, is a 1920s concrete structure adjoining the citys Armory Square district, one of the most vital, pedestrian-oriented areas of downtown Syracuse. The renovation project is consistent with the mission of the School of Architectures Upstate Institute, a newly created design think tank that will focus on rejuvenating the upstate New York region. Nationally prominent architects will be invited to collaborate. When renovated, The Warehouse will include design studios, classrooms, and faculty and administrative offices. As the project evolves, a street-level bookstore and café overlooking Onondaga Creek and gallery space are envisioned. The building provides the ideal flexible space required for studio and gallery space, Robbins says. The industrial loft space mirrors the professional environment that architecture and design students will one day work in. The setting provides a unique, creative laboratory for our studentsthe future architects of our cities and neighborhoods. The new facility will also encourage interdisciplinary work with VPA design students, who will have studios in the building. </p>
<p>Robbins acknowledges that several logistical considerations are inherent in this undertaking, but affirms that careful thought has been given to such issues as security, transportation, and making this a seamless transition for students. A shuttle-bus service from Main Campus will be in operation, class schedules will be adjusted to allow for travel time, and security will be provided for the building and parking lot. There are definite challenges, Robbins says. But the benefits in terms of curricular enrichment are worth all the very real issues, which we will resolve. We have an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the education of our students and their development as architectsand as citizens.</p>
<p>Long-range plans for The Warehouse include a permanent home for the Upstate Institute, as well as residences for visiting artists and architects. What is most important to me about the downtown space is that the Universitys presence in the Syracuse community is now tangible, not simply symbolic, says VPA Dean Carole Brzozowski 81. We can use this opportunity to collaborate with other arts organizationsas we have done in the pastbut with the advantage of a physical presence. Brzozowski is working with CRC director Leo Crandall to identify community partners who will share space within the facility. I view our presence downtown as a chance to further develop mutually beneficial relationships with local arts organizations, Brzozowski says. These groups often provide our students with critical practical learning experiences, and if we can offer additional space for meetings, exhibitions, and rehearsals, the arts community as a whole can only grow stronger.</p>
<p>The magazine's online version, with the complete article titled "Creative Connection," has not yet been posted but will be soon, found at <a href="http://sumagazine.syr.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://sumagazine.syr.edu/</a></p>
<p>Kevin</p>
<p>Kevin Morrow
University Spokesman
Executive Director, News Services
Syracuse University
(315) 443-3784</p>
<p>My letter to him:</p>
<p>Kevin, in addition to the bus schedule that you will be sending me, my wife raised two other questions, if I may:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Will the Armory building, which will currently be used for Architecture, and some Design disciplines, have a lot of constructiona and remodeling going on while the kids are taking classes there? If so, this could be hugely disruptive to the kids.</p></li>
<li><p>You mention that there are tremendous educational benefits to this relocation. Frankly, all I see are negatives to the kids. However, maybe I don't know the whole story or am being too closeminded. Thus, what exactly are these tremendous benefits? Will the new building be getting all new computers and software and drafting tables? What are these benefits?</p></li>
</ol>