From Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel to Orange Hall: A History
The Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center has a rich history intertwined with Syracuse University. From its opening in 1985 to its recent transformation into Orange Hall, a modern residence hall, the building has served various purposes, reflecting the evolving needs of the university and its community. In spring 2024, the Sheraton University Hotel & Conference Center was closed to renovate the building into Orange Hall, a modern residence hall. The renovation includes floor lounges, study rooms, laundry, in-room private bathrooms and air conditioning.
Early Years and Development
Plans were unveiled to build a hotel and conference center adjacent to the University in 1981. The 1.75-acre site, owned by the University, was leased to a development firm in 1982, and plans were presented to the Board of Trustees that August. Originally called the Sheraton University Inn & Conference Center, it opened in January 1985. The building was constructed at a cost of $24.9 million. The architects were Quinliven, Pierik and Krause of Syracuse, and the location was 801 University Avenue.
Features and Amenities
The University Hotel and Conference Center covered 169,050 square feet and featured 231 guest rooms and suites, and 13,000 square feet of conference space. The adjoining 83,620-square foot garage has 301 parking spaces. The first floor contained a lobby, lounges, dining areas, shops, and an enclosed pool. The conference center was on the second floor of the building, with guest rooms located above. The Center also contained a 70-seat amphitheater.
University Ownership and Renovations
On July 1, 2000, the University became owner of the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and Conference Center. In 2011, the Hotel underwent extensive renovations to guest rooms, the fitness center, club lounge, front desk and restaurants at a cost of approximately $3.5 million.
Transformation into Orange Hall
As part of its comprehensive housing strategy, Syracuse University announced that the Sheraton University Hotel & Conference Center would be renovated into Orange Hall, a modern residence hall. The renovation includes floor lounges, study rooms, laundry, in-room private bathrooms and air conditioning. The building was converted to a Residence Hall in 2024.
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Future Hotel Development: Graduate by Hilton
Syracuse University has selected Graduate by Hilton as the brand partner for its upcoming development of a full-service hotel on University Avenue. The hotel is expected to open in the fall of 2027. “Graduate is an ideal partner in helping us bring to life a distinctive and dynamic space that authentically represents the Syracuse University experience,” says Brett Padgett, senior vice president and chief financial officer. “This collaboration will create a vibrant hub for both our campus and the broader Syracuse community, offering a welcoming destination during key moments like Orange game days, reunions, graduations, campus visits and beyond. “Syracuse University is the perfect partner as we continue the Graduate tradition of delivering collegiate-inspired hospitality to vibrant academic communities,” says Kevin Osterhaus, president, global lifestyle brands, Hilton. The planned hotel will feature approximately 200 rooms, on-site parking, a full-service, three-meal restaurant and event space. A rooftop bar and lounge will offer stunning views of campus, creating a space for both hotel guests and members of the Central New York community to gather. “We are excited about the potential of this new hotel to enhance the overall experience for our campus community while providing a much-needed venue for visitors and events in the area,” says John Papazoglou, senior vice president and chief operations officer. The University has engaged The Hardy Group to serve as project manager, with DLR Group selected as designer and LeChase serving as construction manager.
Syracuse University: A Brief Overview
Syracuse University is a private research university that advances knowledge across disciplines to drive breakthrough discoveries and breakout leadership. Our collection of 13 schools and colleges with over 200 customizable majors closes the gap between education and action, so students can take on the world. In and beyond the classroom, we connect people, perspectives and practices to solve interconnected challenges with interdisciplinary approaches.
Graduate by Hilton: A Lifestyle Brand
Graduate by Hilton is a lifestyle brand of hand-crafted hotels that reside in dynamic university-anchored towns in the United States and United Kingdom. Each hotel brings stories and traditions to life through one-of-a-kind experiences, which authentically reflect the unique spirit of each community they are located within. Founded in 2014 by Adventurous Journeys (“AJ”) Capital Partners and acquired by Hilton in 2024, Graduate’s portfolio consists of 35 open hotels across the US and UK.
Other Notable Buildings at Syracuse University
Syracuse University boasts a diverse array of buildings, each with its own unique history and purpose. Here's a glimpse into some of them:
Academic and Administrative Buildings
- Hall of Languages (1873): One of the oldest surviving buildings, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Crouse College (1888-89): Another historic landmark, also on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Carnegie Library: Funded by a $150,000 grant, featuring a striking main reading room with a high vaulted ceiling.
- Dineen Hall: Houses the Syracuse University College of Law, named for the Dineen family who provided a $15 million naming gift.
- Ernest I. White Hall: Formerly home to the College of Law, now houses the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.
- Newhouse Communications Center: Includes the First Amendment to the United States Constitution etched into the windows.
- Life Sciences Complex: A five-story, 230,000-square-foot complex hosting the biology, chemistry, and biochemistry departments.
Residential Buildings
- Boland and Brewster Halls (1968): Built as dorms, named after John C. Boland and Neal Brewster, respectively.
- Lawrinson Hall: When built, it was the second-tallest building in Syracuse at 21 stories.
- Shaw Hall: Designated as a Women's residence hall and served as a Living Learning Community after 1975.
Other Facilities
- Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center: A 3-story red brick building which has a Colonial Georgian architecture, formerly a Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity house.
- National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel & Gayle D’Aniello building: Houses the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, featuring a 750-seat auditorium, a cafe, a gallery, a research center, and a banquet hall.
- Hinds Hall: Named in 1982 in memory of John G.
Syracuse: Salt City and More
Syracuse is known as Salt City. The Onondaga Lake contains saline water because it is an inland sea. The Onondaga Indians, lived here and later were joined by French soldiers and Jesuit missionaries that came from Canada in 1654. Salt works were set up as early as 1788, soon after the first permanent settlement was established. The manufacturing of salt flourished until the 1860’s. One of the ways that the salt was produced was by boiling it down. “Eventually they ran out of wood,” Gregg Tripoli said to the journalists, “then they went to the solar method. Salt became such a huge industry that the Erie Canal was built because of it. A tariff on the salt transportation paid for this canal along with another that connected to Lake Ontario. Eventually other industries boomed and the railroad became a part of the story.
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Delta Upsilon at Syracuse University
Delta Upsilon’s 22nd chapter was first installed on Nov. 14, 1873, and was one of the first fraternities at Syracuse. (In 1871, Delta Kappa Epsilon became the first fraternity at Syracuse.) The chapter stood for 98 years before closing in 1971. It would reopen in 1976 for another 20 years before closing again in 1996; and it would reopen once again with its latest Reinstallation Ceremony held on Jan. 27, 2018. Whether the chapter has been open or closed, the Syracuse alumni have always been keen to keep the bonds of brotherhood alive. The alumni chapter has remained one of Delta Upsilon’s strongest for decades, even earning the Fraternity’s Outstanding Alumni Chapter Award in 2018. Syracuse Chapter Fast Facts: Established Nov. 14, 1873, Delta Upsilon’s 22nd chapter, 2nd oldest fraternity at Syracuse that is currently open, 7th oldest open Delta Upsilon chapter, 106 current members (as of April 17, 2024). Prominent Alumni: Stephen Crane, Lafayette and Syracuse 1894 (Author of “The Red Badge of Courage”), Jim Boeheim, Jr., Syracuse '66 (Syracuse men’s basketball head coach 1976-2023), Anthony J. Moffat, Jr., Syracuse '66 (US Congressman for Connecticut 1975-1983), Melvin A. Eggers, Syracuse '76 (Chancellor of Syracuse University 1971-1991).
Read also: SU and the City
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