UPDATED: Jan. 24, 2018 at 7:48 p.m.

With Archbold Gymnasium closed for a long-term, multimillion-dollar renovation, Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF students have adjusted their workout schedules and locations to accommodate different arrangements.

Most of the equipment previously housed in Archbold has been moved to the Women’s Building. Several students say they don’t mind the move because the Women’s Building is closer to where they live.

“I love that the gym is here because I can just come down the street, go to the gym and come back,” said Joleyne Herrera, a junior illustration major. “There’s so much snow, so it’s hard to trek anywhere.”

Leilah Molina, a public health major and Herrera’s roommate, also said she enjoys how easy it is to get to the Women’s Building from where they live. However, as a graduating senior, she won’t be around when SU completes the gym’s renovations.

As part of Chancellor Kent Syverud’s Campus Framework infrastructure plan, Archbold will be expanded by 7,000 square feet. The renovated fitness complex, which will include a rock climbing wall and multi-floor fitness center, is expected to be renamed “The Arch.”

The renovations have been funded by private donations, the university has previously announced. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2019.

Lydia Stewart, a natural resources management major and senior at SUNY-ESF, said she used to work out at Archbold because it was close to her classes. She said she’s changed her workout routine to avoid going to the weight room in the Women’s Building, though, because of the cramped way it’s set up.

“The weights are like four feet apart and it’s uncomfortable,” Stewart said. “I’ve been using the Marshall Square Mall gym and just working out at home a lot more.”

Inside the Women’s Building, navigation has been confusing for some students who said they were used to the weights and equipment being in one place.

At Ernie Davis Gym, students don’t have to walk far for free weights and cardio equipment. But the small fitness center has experienced increased traffic since Archbold was closed, several students said.

Sophomore Evan Paddock, a finance and management major, said exercising in Ernie Davis is like working out in a “hotel gym,” because of how small it was.

Prashant Kamat, a graduate student in engineering and computer science, said there’s much less equipment at Ernie Davis in comparison to Archbold. Still, he said he prefers Ernie Davis because the equipment is all in one place.  

Flanagan, directly across from Archbold, has also become a spot for students to work out. Two racquetball courts have been converted into additional dance studios there.

Freshman Sam Incardona, a sports management major, said the renovations do not affect him because he primarily plays basketball. Incardona, though, said he’s excited to see what the renovations will be.

“I think it’s pretty great,” Incardona said. “I feel like a lot of schools emphasize nice, newly renovated athletic facilities, and I feel like that’s one of the things that Syracuse might be lacking.”

Most students expressed excitement about the upcoming renovations, but many said they weren’t sure what the renovations would be and wished the university had been clearer about the project.

Alexa Garian, a freshman public relations major, said she signed up for a spin class because Archbold was closed and she wanted to avoid a long walk to the Women’s Building. Though she said she’s disappointed that Archbold closed in the middle of the year, she’s looking forward to seeing the renovated building.

“I’m excited for new equipment, new space, just a breath of fresh air into Archbold,” she said.

CORRECTION: In a previous version of this post, the source of funding for the Archbold Gymnasium renovations was misstated. The renovations have been funded by private donations. The Daily Orange regrets this error.

Published on January 23, 2018 at 9:22 pm