University of Syracuse Dineen Hall Aims for a Fall 2014 Completion

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University law students and faculty will soon enjoy a new, state-of-the-art facility intended to revolutionize legal education. The 200,000-square-foot Dineen Hall will provide a cohesive teaching, research and learning space bringing the law program to a new level.

College of Law Dean Hannah R. Arterian was excited to offer this new and enhanced resource to students. “A dynamic legal education requires a learning environment that enhances connection, community engagement and opportunity,” said Arterian. “Dineen Hall will reflect the changing momentum in legal education and the practice of law.” In a statement, Syracuse University added that Dineen Hall is “the perfect synergy of time, space, and energy that brings SU College of Law into a new century, with a new outlook, the latest technology, expanded faculty, and a promise to further extend our interactive, personal approach to the teaching of law.”

The hall’s sleek, modern design is a striking compliment to the surrounding campus, where the College of Law is presently split between two facilities. The previous, inefficient design is confusing for visitors and incoming students, and does not lend itself to collaboration. In response, Gluckman Mayner Architects of New York designed a single facility to bring the entire College of Law under one roof. Improvements include larger desks, offering added laptop space, and broadcasting and video capabilities. Meanwhile classrooms of all sizes will be constructed and handicapped accessibilities will be greatly expanded.

In addition to classrooms and faculty offices, the design also includes a broad open atrium at the building’s main level, a library, a 330-seat multipurpose auditorium and several collaborative spaces. In keeping with the university’s sustainable values, the building will also feature a plenty of natural light, a green roof and a seasonal outdoor terrace. Upon completion it is expected to earn LEED Gold certification for its energy efficiency, courtyard gardens, storm water collection system and other green efforts.

Syracuse firm Hueber-Breuer was awarded the construction contract, and officially broke ground on the five-story facility in May 2012. For those interested in tracking the building’s progress, the university has also installed two time-lapse video cameras, allowing viewers to see months of progress in just minutes. The cameras shoot approximately one frame per minute and are mounted on two nearby facilities.

In late October, Chuck Bucci, the university’s assistant director of project administration, reported that crews have completed the building’s exterior façade, and window installations are nearing completion. “We intend to have the building fully enclosed with either permanent or temporary finishes by the middle of November” said Bucci, “and we’ll be heating the building for the continuation of construction on the interior.”
Though Dineen Hall is still several months from completion, the university recently recognized the donors largely responsible for its construction. The Dineen family, who contributed $15 million for the hall’s construction, was welcomed to the campus in a special ceremony. Their gift is the largest in the history of the law school, and marks a significant milestone in the university’s $1 billion capital campaign.

The most recent time-lapse video can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZMUGZtHUZc.