Last year, it seemed too good to ever become a reality. And while Newhouse III may still seem like a pipe dream to many Syracuse University students, plans for the addition are all but final.

The final step in the planning process, university administrators’ selection of an architect to design Newhouse III, has narrowed to four firms: Gwathmey Siegel, Kieran Timberlake, Diamond and Schmitt and Polshek Partnership. In the next few weeks, administrators will make the final decision on who will be awarded the project of designing the building.

A $15-million grant by the S.I. Newhouse Foundation made the concept of Newhouse III possible. The building is needed to expand existing programs in the communications school and create space for new programs that address the changing role of media in society.

The planning committee for Newhouse III narrowed down the original field from 12 architecture firms and will choose the two most fitting for the job from the remaining four, said Stephen Masiclat, professor of visual and interactive communications and member of the planning committee.

Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw will make the final decision based on the choice of the committee in the next few weeks, Masiclat said.

As of yet, none of the firms have been asked to provide preliminary sketches. Instead, the decision will be made based upon the firms’ prior work and the specifications made by the university, he said.

‘The search for the correct architect involves finding people whose processes fit our unique situation,’ Masiclat said. ‘We need someone who understands our needs, the types of spaces we require and who has had experience with academic buildings.’

‘Prestige and reputation are also a factor,’ he said.

The firm’s flexibility and receptiveness to suggestions is also an issue for university administrators.

‘We want someone who will listen to faculty and students,’ said Susan Nash, director of administration at Newhouse. ‘We have a desire to be a part of the designing process.’

The need for the new building, said Christopher Danek, academic space planner in the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, arose out of space issues that have plagued the two existing Newhouse buildings for years.

‘The buildings are at capacity,’ Danek said. ‘Space has maxed out as the communication program has thrived.’

Students especially feel the effects of overcrowding, as student organizations struggle to find space to meet in Newhouse.

‘My COM 107 review session was interrupted by a sorority that wanted the room for a chapter meeting,’ said Andy Genovese, a freshman television, radio and film major.

More student meeting space, a bigger cafe, office space for various communication centers and space for an expanded executive education department are among the needs the Newhouse School hopes to meet with the addition of Newhouse III, Nash said.

She also anticipates a ‘domino effect’ scenario, in which programs already housed in the existing Newhouse buildings, like the editing suites, move into Newhouse III to increase space.

The firm that is appointed the contract will spend several months observing the existing spaces in the Newhouse buildings, getting a feel for the circulation of the two structures, Nash said.

The lack of cohesiveness between the two existing buildings is also an issue that may be resolved with the addition of Newhouse III.

‘We don’t want it to be a third building just plunked down next to the other two,’ Nash said. ‘Newhouse I and II are very separate now, which is seen in the amount of circulation and connection problems. Newhouse III will be physically joined and will hopefully create more of a community environment.’

Genovese shared his own excitement for the new addition and all of its potential effects on the Newhouse school.

‘I’m excited for the addition. As a Newhouse student, I’m eager to enjoy it before I graduate in 2007. Hopefully, it’ll free up space, give us better facilities and allow us more access to equipment,’ Genovese said.

Published on October 30, 2003 at 12:00 pm