LPCiminelli to provide design/build services for new student housing

SUNY Broome Community College broke ground on its new student housing project located near the college library. The event represents the beginning of the college's first on-campus residential housing complex. The student housing project is set to change the entire tenor of the campus, according to acting VP for student and community engagement Debra Morello. "It's going to change the entire nature of the campus," Morello said. "Just the thought of having 300 people here all the time is exciting." The college has hired LPCiminelli to provide design/build services for the new complex. "LPCiminelli has successfully delivered many student housing projects in recent years and we are excited to be part of this historic project for SUNY Broome Community College," said Kyle Tuttle, SVP for LPCiminelli. "We have already been hard at work in preconstruction and look forward to starting the construction phase of the project. Morello credits president Kevin Drumm with moving the project full steam ahead. "When he came here three years ago, he said we really need to do this. We have one of the highest numbers of international students in upstate New York, an excellent array of athletics teams, and we really feel this is an opportunity to expand those markets. In addition, we'll be serving the many individuals who currently drive a few hours to take classes as well as local students who want the full on-campus college experience." Model room tours will begin this fall. Students can choose from standard double rooms, single rooms, or extra-roomy super single rooms. Morello elaborated on some of the amenities of the new facilities: "Students nowadays love to come together so we've made sure there are a lot of gathering spaces. There's also a Skype lounge so our international students can Skype with families. There are picnic tables, bike racks and other improvements to the campuses grounds. Our campus dining hall will also be fully renovated, and dining choices greatly expanded," she said. To accommodate students living on campus, food service will have extended hours, and the college will continue to increase the number of student clubs and leadership opportunities offered in the evenings and weekends.