School of Visual Arts Holds Groundbreaking for New Residence Hall at 407 First Avenue

Apr 16, 2015, New York, NY—On Friday officials of the School of Visual Arts (SVA), one of the country’s leading colleges of art and design, gathered with representatives of state and local government to officially break ground on a new residence hall for SVA students to be located at 407 First Avenue (at 24th Street) in Manhattan.

“Aspiring artists come to SVA to learn from industry leaders and be part of a community,” said SVA President David Rhodes. “We owe it to them to provide accommodations to match the world-class education they receive.”

SVA President David Rhodes and SVA Executive Vice President Anthony P. Rhodes were joined by Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12); New York State Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright; New York City Councilman Dan Garodnick; and Ahsia Badi, Health & Education Committee chair, Manhattan Community Board Six.

"The School of Visual Arts has a long history of fostering the talents of brilliant young artists," said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12). "I am proud to represent such a wonderful institution, and was thrilled to be able to join the school's leaders at their groundbreaking this afternoon for a new state-of-the-art dormitory for 500 students."

New York State Senator Liz Krueger said of the occasion, "I’m delighted to congratulate the School of Visual Arts for breaking ground on their new residence hall at 407 First Avenue. SVA makes an important contribution to the creative community, not just here in New York City, but nationally and worldwide. This new space will provide vital housing and resources to some of the more than 6,000 SVA students who come to New York to live, learn and work."

"I am elated by this sign of growth and success for the School of Visual Arts, a tremendous asset to our City. SVA acts as an incubator for creative thinking, artistry and academia and their contribution has been ground-breaking. The new student residence will only further facilitate this creative community, and I extend sincere congratulations to SVA's distinguished leadership, faculty, student body and alumni on today's announcement," said Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright.

New York City Councilman Dan Garodnick remarked: "New York is known for its artists, and the School of Visual Arts is where they are frequently getting their start. The students who live here will go on to join the artistic community that has made New York a cultural leader, and I'm glad to know they will have a great new space the neighborhood."

“I would like to congratulate the School of Visual Arts for their new residence hall for students. I look forward to a continued relationship with the School of Visual Arts," said New York City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez.

Designed by Ismael Leyva Architects, the 146,827 square-foot building will house 500 students, incorporating interior architecture and technology to meet the needs of aspiring artists. The design features rotating exhibit spaces, indoors and out, which will complement the college’s existing array of studio and screening facilities. 407 First Avenue is a block away from 209 East 23rd Street, which houses many of the college’s administrative offices and serves as SVA’s official address.

Other attendees included Ismael Leyva, principal, Ismael Leyva Architects; Ben Shaoul, president, Magnum Real Estate; and Leonard Vidrak, project architect, Ismael Leyva Architects. Also representing SVA were Richard Riccio, executive director of Faciliites; Gary Shillet, chief financial officer; Jane Smith, partner, Spacesmith, and chair of BFA Interior Design; Cosmin Tomescu, chief information officer; and Javier Vega, executive director of Admissions and Student Affairs.

The new residence hall is scheduled to open in August of 2016.

School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers and creative professionals for more than six decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprised of more than 6,000 students at its Manhattan campus and 35,000 alumni in 100 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For information about the College’s 32 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visit sva.edu.

Media Contact: Michael Grant, mgrant@sva.edu, 212.592.2011.