ESF Seeks Input for Potential New Student Housing and Campus Amenities

RFI invites creative ideas for housing, amenities, sustainability, and mixed-use concepts on ESF’s Syracuse campus

06/16/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – June 16, 2026 – The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is inviting developers and real estate partners to help shape the next step in expanding student housing options on its Syracuse campus. 

A Request for Information, now available through the New York State Contract Reporter, seeks input from experienced student housing, mixed-use, public-private partnership, design, finance, and operations teams on a potential new residential development on approximately 1.6 acres on the western edge of ESF’s campus, located near Centennial Hall. 

The RFI follows recently enacted state legislation authorizing a long-term ground lease of ESF campus land to Abby Lane Housing Corporation for the purpose of supporting undergraduate and graduate student housing and amenities. The process is intended to test market interest and help ESF better understand what type of project could be financially viable as the College considers the next stage of planning for the site. 

“This is an exciting next step for ESF and for our students,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “Housing is an important part of the student experience, and this RFI gives us an opportunity to hear directly from the market about what is possible on this site. We are grateful to our local legislators who supported this initiative in the recently adopted state budget, and we thank Chancellor King, the SUNY Board of Trustees, and Governor Hochul for their continued support of ESF.” 

ESF currently operates one residence hall, Centennial Hall, which primarily serves first- and second-year students. A future project could help the College explore additional housing options for upper-class and graduate students, many of whom currently live off campus in the Syracuse/University Hill area. 

The RFI encourages respondents to think beyond a traditional residence hall model. ESF is seeking feedback on potential housing types, financing structures, student-oriented amenities such as dining and fitness space, and complementary uses that could support a financially sustainable project. Respondents are also asked to consider how a future development could reflect ESF’s environmental mission through high-performance building design, carbon reduction, renewable energy, sustainable materials, mass timber construction, LEED Gold or Platinum certification, WELL Building certification, and other green building strategies.

“We look forward to seeing the ideas that come back through this process,” Mahoney said. “What we learn will help inform a broader campus conversation about the future of student housing at ESF.” 

The RFI is informational only and does not commit ESF or its partners to a project or contract award. Feedback received may help guide any future planning or competitive process. 

Interested parties can find the RFI in the New York State Contract Reporter by searching CR# 2136174. Responses are due July 22, 2026, at 4 p.m. Eastern.

About SUNY ESF

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.