Reimagining the Schwartz Center Plaza

Thank you to everyone in attendance at last night’s Schwartz Center design charrette at St. Luke’s church on Oak Avenue. We had a great meeting, and tons of innovative ideas were shared for the reimagining of the Schwartz Center plaza.

Cornell is making a concerted effort to include the entire community–residents, businesses, officials, university staff, etc.–in the design process for the Schwartz Center plaza.

Nearly everyone at the charrette agreed that the current wall running through the plaza must come down, and the space made into something that will flow well, be beautiful, and be able to function to serve multiple purposes. Consensus was that it should be an inviting plaza, and honor the original concept for the Schwartz Center’s architecture, working cohesively with its entrance. Design concepts encompass from Cascadilla Hall to Sheldon Court, but the budget for construction will be focused entirely on the square in front of the Schwartz Center.

Everyone is highly encouraged to share ideas and provide input to ensure that the new Schwartz Center plaza improves the landscape and serves a worthwhile purpose in Collegetown–an asset for the public, the students, and local businesses. If you weren’t able to attend last night’s charrette and have an idea you’d like to share before design concepts are fine tuned, please email schwartzplaza@cornell.edu.

Upcoming community meetings regarding this project are:

Design Concepts Presentation: October 26, 2016, 5:30-7:30pm, Schwartz Performing Arts Center Film Forum Room

Final Concept Presentation: November 28, 2016, 5:30-7:30pm, Schwartz Performing Arts Center Film Forum Room