Onondaga Community College

Syracuse, NY

Design concept was to create a more inviting, open entry space using green infrastructure practices.
New plaza space opens up the face of the building and contains multiple pocket spaces for gathering.
Incorporated green infrastructure practices in alignment with the College’s sustainability initiative while still retaining the original use of the space as a drop-off loop. Project received funding from the Environmental Facilities Corporation Green Infrastructure Grant Program.
Plaza contains permeable pavers with storm water planters directing water flow into a bio-retention basin.
Repaving of drop-off loop with permeable asphalt.
Green spaces surrounding the plaza were transformed into bio-retention basins and bio-retention swales which reduce runoff by allowing storm water to infiltrate into the soil rather than going into the storm system.
Plaza also includes seating, plantings, educational signage, lighting, and decorative pavements.

Concept plan for the new west quad included the removal of a majority of the outdated existing elements to create a more open plaza with less hardscape and more direct circulation.
Design eliminated many of the stairs and employs ramps and terraced plaza spaces to accommodate the differences in building floor elevations to create an accessible, park-like setting.
Design included several sustainable practices to meet the College's sustainability initiative. Storm water runoff is collected and diverted to rain gardens. Decorative pavement includes permeable pavers and porous asphalt to reduce runoff volume.
New plaza includes seating, lighting and planting improvements, as well as highlighted areas for public art display.
A new clock tower focal element was included to anchor the quad.

Redesign of the Whitney Applied Technology Center East Plaza.
Design concept was to recreate a "front yard" for Whitney including large lawn area intersected by sidewalks in the tradition of classic campus design.
The plaza creates a new open space for students while also becoming a major focal element.
Design included several sustainable practices to meet the College's sustainability initiative. Storm water runoff will be collected and diverted to rain gardens located in the plaza and adjacent to the walks.
New seating, plantings, signage, lighting and decorative pavements enhance the East Plaza and create a welcome entry into the campus core as well as the building.

Removal of an outdated plaza and staircase.
Design concept was to create a new and dynamic space that would connect the main campus pedestrian corridor with the lower floor elevation of the Gordon Student Center.
The new space serves as a gateway entrance to the newly completed Academic II Building.
The new amphitheater fits naturally into the existing grade and overlooks the Furnace Brook gorge. It features informal seating, while creating the opportunity for outdoor performances.

Master Plan

Prepared schematic site plan illustrating optimum site development for a stadium complex that included a synthetic surface baseball field and softball field.
Prime consultant for the team that included Architects, MEP Engineers, Surveyors and Site Contractor.
Facilitated timely meetings with campus stakeholders to define program, present multiple concept options, and establish construction costs.
Prepared preliminary analysis regarding subsurface soil conditions and storm water management as required by NYSDEC.
Prepared SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) documentation for agency review.
Prepared final cost estimate for construction and other project costs.
Deliverables included a written report, rendered graphics, and computer generated 3-D animation of the project area.

Appel Osborne, as the prime consultant, provided services for the design and implementation of the Athletic Complex.

Contract documents for development of the multi-field athletic complex which includes a synthetic turf baseball field and softball field.
Stadium entrance with controlled access to both fields, plaza space to promote gathering and circulation, concourse areas along first and third baseline of baseball field for informal viewing/seating and access to softball field.
Baseball field includes sunken dugouts, pitching bullpens, outfield configured for soccer, lacrosse and football as well as team rooms, storage and a centrally located batting cage located under fixed bleachers for 475.
Softball field includes enclosed dugouts, pitching bullpens and bleacher seating for 475.
Additional athletic complex features include open hillside viewing/seating areas in addition to the bleacher seating, press box, perimeter fencing, scoreboard, backstop, bleacher netting protection, outfield safety net.
Site amenities also include concessions with storage, ticket booths and public restrooms.