Sumner Avenue
Every fall, waves of Syracuse University students move next door to residents who have called Sumner Avenue their home for decades. Some student neighbors throw wild parties, and others play with the young children growing up on the block. All the while, the long-time residents bring stability and a watchful eye to the ever-changing neighborhood. For generations, the homeowners and the revolving door of college students have coexisted despite their contrasting lifestyles.
Flocks of people leave the Harrington, a Sumner Avenue house show venue, around midnight following a three-hour-long concert featuring two bands and a rap artist.
Dale Avers has lived on the two-block street for 18 years. Almost immediately after moving in, Avers became close with other homeowners in the neighborhood — many of whom have resided there for over 30 years. She says she has learned to expect the neighborhood's wild nights and game days. “We choose to live here. When you live this close to the university, you recognize that all the dynamics are a part of it,” Avers says.
Attics and basements rattle with the bass of student bands who perform in homes-turned-concert venues. Thursday through Saturday, college students fill dimly lit, humid and cramped basements as they sing along to their favorite covers and brand new originals.
After weekend benders filled with solo cups, thumping bass and 20-somethings spilling onto front porches, the avenue's mundane silence is restored — until the following Friday.
Neighbors and family members gather at Miranda and Kenneth Hine's potluck. The Hine’s family began this tradition with the intention of introducing themselves to their new neighbors at the start of each school year. The event was an annual staple for the neighborhood before it was interrupted for two years by the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, as the residents of the block gather again, marks the continuation of the decades-long tradition.
Margo Moran, a student at Syracuse University, cleans her home on a quiet Saturday afternoon.
Caelin Lewis, Jack Witherspoon, Jackson Birtwistle and Owen Hiltz practice lacrosse in their driveway. While all five are on the Syracuse University lacrosse team, the group of young athletes use an empty garbage can as a makeshift goal.
From left, Priyanka Bugde, Shantanu Ghar and Dhananjaya Rao Sirasati prepare for dinner. They make up three of five rommates who live in the home. All of the roommates are international students from Mumbai, India, and cook together every night.
Griffin Palmer and Alex Santangelo, who are roommates and designers on Sumner Avenue, work on their course projects on a Sunday afternoon.
