Campus Center Expansion

March 2013

Background\Overview:

The University is working on a $60 million project to expand the Campus Center by approximately 75,000 square feet with some 48,000 square feet of related renovations to the existing building. This project, which is currently in design, is anticipated to break ground for construction in late Fall 2013 with completion in 2016. It is based on an earlier University study which seeks to ‘right-size’ the building and facilities for current day enrollment and programming needs as well as renovate the existing building – in several outyear phases – to modern standards. Key components of the University’s approach to expanding and renovating the Campus Center include:

• Creating spaces and an environment for out-of-the classroom learning and collaboration opportunities;
• Providing spaces and places that create a focal point for student leadership and engagement;
• Enhancing the facilities as the University’s central hub for food, fun and entertainment;
• Promoting personal wellness and fitness;
• Expanding recreation activities;
• Allowing for late night programming; and
• Establishing a clear outyears construction/renovation phasing plan which addresses all building deferred maintenance and upgrade needs.

The Campus Center is the most heavily trafficked building on campus, originally constructed to serve an enrollment of 10,000 students, now serving well over 18,000 students (as well as faculty and staff). It is open 19 hours a day, 7 days a week. This work will bring the Campus Center, which is the only ‘student union’ at the University, more in-line with other SUNY student centers and those at other colleges and universities with comparable enrollment.

Scope:

This Campus Center Expansion project involves creating new space of some 75,000 square feet divided between a new addition on both the east and west sides of the existing building and about 48,000 square feet of renovations in the ground floor spaces that will connect the two additions. When completed, the entire ground floor of the Campus Center will be seamlessly integrated into a renovated, bright, modern, and better functioning space. The East side expansion is planned as the first phase of the project, dedicated to new kitchen and dining space, which will be an essential first step as interior/existing kitchen and dining spaces will be taken off-line for renovation. The west side addition will be designed for new offices and meeting spaces for UAlbany’s Student Association, Student Involvement & Leadership, and Multicultural Student Success organizations. Other planned spaces on the west side addition include a multi-purpose auditorium for student activities, a fitness center, a dance/ multi-purpose room, and a game room. Extensive renovations will be planned in the existing food services areas to meet enrollment and high-volume dining demands. A variety of student lounges will also be located throughout the Campus Center.

Project Schedule\Timelines:
The project is currently in design. The project is anticipated for a late fall 2013 construction start and final phase 2016 completion.

Questions\Comments\Contact:
Please contact Brad Bunzey or Jim Moore at 442-3400 in Facilities.

Project Photos\Renderings:

(Click the picture for a printable version.)

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  Landscape Rendered Plan

  

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  Rendering from Dutch Quad

  

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  Rendering from bus stop

  

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  Rendering from Dutch Commons

  

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  Rendering from south

  

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  Rendering from Indian Commons

  

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  Phase 1 Lobby Renovation, completed 2011

  

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  Phase 1 Lobby Renovation