Menschel Media Center Special Collections Research Center

Robert B. Menschel Media Center

Renovated: 1999

Named for: Robert B. Menschel '55, H'91, University Trustee

Cost: $3.2 million

Funding: $2 million naming gift from Robert Menschel

Architects: Richard Meier, New York, NY, architect, contributed design concepts for exterior glass block and entrance doors; Michael Wolniak, Syracuse architect, Class of 1978, incorporated concepts into overall design

Location: Watson Hall, 316 Waverly Avenue

Space: 10,000 square feet

Notes: Built to expand the facilities of Light Work and the Community Darkrooms, Menschel is located in the former Watson Theater Complex. A main gallery and three exhibit galleries equipped for multimedia displays, darkrooms, a digital imaging lab, collection storage area, exhibit preparation space, and a computer lab were included, as well as student-run radio and television stations, a grocery store, and Watson Theater, a 250-seat lecture hall. A wall drawing by artist Sol LeWitt, Class of 1949, was installed in the center's main foyer. In May 2012, the main gallery of Light Works was named for Kathleen O. (Hoone) Ellis, a member of the class of 1955.