Orange Hall (formerly Sheraton University Hotel and Conference Center) Special Collections Research Center

Sheraton SU Hotel and Conference Center, SU Photo & Imaging RS 42576

Plans Presented to Board of Trustees: August 6, 1982

Ground Broken and Construction Started: August 24, 1983

Opened: January 11, 1985

Grand Opening: March 20, 1985

Architect: Quinliven, Pierik and Krause of Syracuse

Location: 801 University Avenue

Cost: $24.9 million

Converted to Residence Hall: 2024

Notes: Plans were first unveiled to build a hotel and conference center adjacent to the University in 1981. The 1.75 acre site, owned by the University, was leased to the development firm in 1982, and plans were presented to the Board of Trustees that August. Originally called the Sheraton University Inn & Conference Center, it opened in January 1985.

On July 1, 2000, the University became owner of the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and Conference Center. A limited liability company, Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center, LLC, was established to operate the hotel.

The Hotel consisted of a nine-story hotel, conference center, and attached parking garage. The first floor contained a lobby, lounges, dining areas, shops, and an enclosed pool. The conference center was on the second floor of the building, with guest rooms located above. The Center also contained a 70-seat amphitheater.

The University Hotel and Conference Center covered 169,050 square feet and featured 231 guest rooms and suites, and 13,000 square feet of conference space. The adjoining 83,620-square foot garage has 301 parking spaces.

In 2011, the Hotel underwent extensive renovations to guest rooms, the fitness center, club lounge, front desk and restaurants at a cost of approximately $3.5 million.

In spring 2024, the Sheraton University Hotel & Conference Center was closed to renovate the building into Orange Hall, a modern residence hall. The renovation includes floor lounges, study rooms, laundry, in-room private bathrooms and air conditioning.