Renovations to Beverwyck and Schuyler Halls Incorporates Sustainable Elements, Includes Modern Bedroom Suites and Student Success Center
View Photos of Beverwyck and Schuyler Halls Here
ALBANY, N.Y. – The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) and the State University of New York (SUNY), today announced the on-time completion of the $30.7 million project to renovate Beverwyck and Schuyler Halls within the Dutch Quad at the University at Albany. The project is part of roughly $73 million in capital renovation projects DASNY is completing on SUNY campuses statewide.
The renovations were financed through DASNY’s SUNY Dormitory Facilities Program, which issues low-cost, tax-exempt bonds supported by student residence hall fees.
“DASNY is pleased to offer cost-effective solutions, helping institutions like the University at Albany provide their students with up-to-date residences,” said Stephen D. Curro, P.E., DASNY’s Managing Director of Construction. “The new open and inviting design of Beverwyck and Schuyler Halls will encourage collaboration and innovation, setting students up for success.”
“Each year SUNY receives a significant state investment to construct and renovate our infrastructure to better serve our students, faculty, and staff,” said SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson. “Our partnership with DASNY provides critical upgrades to our residence halls that deliver a return on the state’s investment through buildings with enhanced security, additional work space, and greater energy efficiency.”
Beverwyck and Schuyler Halls have been completely modernized. Each building and suite is equipped with card-swipe access, providing enhanced security for the student population. All bedroom suites in the halls (singles, doubles, triples) have been reconfigured to provide new suite/bedroom layouts and accommodate a lounge space for suitemates. New furniture was purchased for the suites, giving a modern, yet comfortable feel. The suite bathrooms were transformed, complete with new showers, sinks, cabinetry, exhaust fans, and fresh paint. Low-flow faucets and toilets to conserve water were also installed and air conditioning is available throughout the residences.
Additional gathering spaces for students are available throughout, including comfortable lounges with televisions, a new Residential Life apartment and office, meeting and presentation spaces, private study and meeting rooms, as well as a laundry room on each floor.
To foster a living-learning community on Dutch Quad, a Student Success Center and vending café have been incorporated into the first-floor space between the two residence halls.
The Student Success Center offers students the opportunity to practice and carry out presentations as well as participate in study or work sessions that require smaller breakout groups. The furniture selected for the space provides for flexible use to better serve the academic needs of the students.
A new entrance, complete with fresh landscaping and exterior lighting provides a welcoming face for the south side of Dutch Quad. A walking path and newly paved road between the south side of the buildings and the athletics fields both further enhance the appearance of the Campus and provide a better route for University shuttles, vehicles, and pedestrians, further enhancing security for students.
"Projects like these are very important to our University,” said UAlbany Vice President for Finance and Administration Todd Foreman. “Through our partnership with DASNY and SUNY, we are ensuring the continued renewal of UAlbany’s beautiful campus and proud to provide living spaces where students can thrive educationally and socially.”
Energy Efficient
The project was constructed to LEED-Gold standards under the sustainability and energy efficiency guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council. Some of the LEED elements included the installation of a tankless water heating system, which provides an endless supply of hot water, while saving space and reducing energy costs, a new high-efficient heating system, energy-saving LED lighting in the hallways and student rooms, the equipping of bathrooms with water-efficient plumbing fixtures to reduce indoor water usage, and an upgraded ventilation system that uses energy recovery technology.
As of October 2019, 47 DASNY projects have received a rating of LEED Certified or better, helping to reach Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s statewide energy goals to build a clean energy future for all of New York State.
The renovation also included the installation of new windows, framing, electrical, plumbing and fire alarm systems.
Senator Neil D. Breslin said, “Thank you, DASNY and SUNY, for being such reliable partners over the years and partnering to build living spaces that enable students to feel at home, while fostering collaboration and creativity. The enhancements that have been made to Beverwyck and Schuyler Halls are transformative and will enhance the quality of the lived experience for students at UAlbany.”
Assembly Member Patricia A. Fahy said, “The SUNY system remains among the premier educational institutions in the nation by ensuring its campuses have the most up-to-date facilities and resources for student life on-campus. I applaud DASNY for their innovative work in supporting New York State’s clean energy goals and prioritizing the needs of today’s student. The SUNY system will continue to be one of New York’s greatest investments and continue to attract students from all over the country and within the state thanks to upgrades such as these.”
Assembly Member John McDonald said, “DASNY and SUNY have once again delivered a recipe for success, and UAlbany’s students are the beneficiaries. These energy-efficient residences not only provide healthy living and learning atmospheres, they are creating innovation hubs for our future leaders to collaborate.”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “Projects like these help Albany continue be an attractive higher education destination. I am thankful for the efforts of DASNY and SUNY for keeping UAlbany’s campus on the forefront of sustainable construction and giving its students healthier and more open spaces to call their home away from home.”
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “We set a high bar in Albany when it comes to providing our students – they deserve the best-in-class amenities, and once again we are proving we can deliver. Thank you to DASNY, SUNY, and UAlbany for these beautifully revamped residence halls, which will benefit graduating classes for years to come.”