Buffalo, NY According to governor Andrew Cuomo, work has commenced on a $16 million project to renovate Tower Three at SUNY Buffalo State College. The project is part of more than $73 million in capital renovation projects the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York has begun on SUNY campuses statewide. The renovation was financed through DASNY’s SUNY Dormitory Facilities Program, which issues low-cost, tax-exempt bonds supported by student residence hall fees. Construction is expected to be completed in July 2019.
“New York’s higher education institutions are key drivers of economic development and community revitalization,” governor Cuomo said. “By investing in our higher education partners, we can provide students with the best possible environment to call home as they expand their horizons and push the boundaries of knowledge.”
With renovations completed on Towers One and Four, this is the third of four scheduled tower projects DASNY will be completing for Buffalo State College. The project will be constructed to LEED-Silver standards under the sustainability and energy efficiency guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council. Some of the LEED elements include equipping bathrooms with water-efficient plumbing fixtures to reduce indoor water usage, energy-saving LED lights and low mercury lamps, and a bicycle storage area to reduce the need for automotive transportation.
The renovation project involves the installation of new bathrooms with ceramic tile floors and walls, new solid surface showers, countertops and lounge sills. New heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will be added to ensure safe and healthy building conditions are achieved with respect to temperature and humidity, using fresh air from outdoors. New laundry rooms, washers and dryers are included in the makeover, as well as new paint throughout the interior and upgraded carpet in the lounges.
As of March 31, 2018, 42 DASNY projects have received a rating of LEED Certified or better, helping to reach statewide energy goals to build a clean energy future for all of New York State.
Gerrard Bushell, DASNY president and CEO said, “New York State’s higher education institutions are boosting innovation and driving economic development in the region. DASNY is proud to work with SUNY to ensure its campuses have best-in-class, energy efficient facilities that will provide students the environment they need to achieve success.”
SUNY chancellor Kristina M. Johnson said, “With 40% of state buildings under our ownership, SUNY has a significant footprint in New York State, and therefore a sizeable opportunity to build on energy sustainability. We are thankful for DASNY’s partnership to retrofit our facilities to be more energy efficient, while at the same time providing a safe and healthy environment for our students.”
Buffalo State president Katherine Conway-Turner said, “Buffalo State is pleased to be able to continue these exciting and comprehensive upgrades to our residence halls. With a $16.1 million renovation of Bishop Hall set to welcome 200 honors students this fall, along with this important makeover of Tower 3 (to be completed in fall 2019), and next year’s planned renovation of Tower 2 (to be completed in fall 2020), our students will have access to a wide variety of modern amenities and living spaces across campus. We at Buffalo State thank DASNY for its continued partnership.”
Buffalo mayor Byron Brown said, “I am pleased with governor Cuomo’s investment in Buffalo State, which is a pillar in the higher education framework in the city of Buffalo. These sustainable improvements to Buffalo State’s campus will provide students with a cleaner, greener environment to live and learn as well as attract more economic development and job growth.”
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