Gateway / Campus Entrance Special Collections Research Center

Gateway / Campus Entrance, SU Photo & Imaging RS 187452

Gateway / Campus Entrance 1973, ARM 09-0584

Constructed: 1911

Funding: Chamber of Commerce campus improvement fund

Architect: Prof. Earl Hallenbeck

Materials: Limestone and cement

Style: Beaux Arts

Location: Base of esplanade leading to Hall of Languages

First Renovation: 1990

Second Renovation: 2012

Notes: Created as part of a $20,000 campus beautification project funded by local business donations through the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, completion of the Gateway capped a period of campus landscaping begun in May 1911 that saw new concrete sidewalks replace narrow wooden walkways across campus. The dual staircases were meant to create a processional arrival experience as one moved up the hill toward the Hall of Languages. The ornamental work included posts made of "litholite", an artificial Portland cement stone. Electric lamps added to the magnificence of the entrance.

In 1990 the Gateway expanded to include the Pan Am Flight 103 Place of Remembrance. At that time, the staircase balustrades were extended to include shallow steps terminating at the sidewalk. In 2012, the light fixtures on the flanking columns at the top of the stairs were restored to their original appearance. The stairs and balustrades were restored to replace ones damaged by time and weather.