Final phase of $375 million East Campus Housing project
BINGHAMTON, NY -- Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger welcomed guests to campus Thursday, Aug. 15, to celebrate the completion of the East Campus Housing project. The final phase of the development entails completion of construction of the four residence halls that comprise the new Dickinson Community: O’Connor, Rafuse, Johnson and Digman. The East Campus Housing project also encompasses the already completed Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center and the Newing College residential community’s four residence halls: Bingham, Broome, Delaware and Endicott.
The East Campus Housing residence halls comprise more than 1 million square-feet of space and include 3,000 new beds. These first-class units have changed the landscape of the campus and added 900 beds to the University’s housing stock, helping to manage the enrollment growth it is experiencing due to NYSUNY 2020.
“These newly constructed communities are providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities that students of today seek,” said Stenger. “In addition to supporting the University’s growth in student enrollment, this project enhances student interaction, creates an improved living/learning environment, and maximizes space utilization through flexible, multi-functional design and sustainable facilities.”
The New York State Dormitory Authority coordinated the project on behalf of the University.
“We’re proud of the fact that Binghamton University and DASNY have partnered for over 60 years to build and maintain campus facilities,” said DASNY President Paul Williams. “With respect to the East Campus Housing project, we commend the University’s commitment to sustainable development and note that the majority of this complex has achieved, or is on track to receive, LEED certification.”
The entire cost of the project will be recouped over time through student housing fees.
Dozens of contractors and thousands of workers had a hand in this project throughout its design and construction phases. The total economic impact of this East Campus Housing project over the course of the last 10 years is $580 million. Expenditures for the project helped to support an estimated 6,313 jobs in the Binghamton MSA, which includes Broome and Tioga counties. The overall impact on the New York state economy was $775 million and helped to support a total of 6,448 jobs in New York State during the course of the project.
“Binghamton University continues to lead our community in growth and new opportunities. The East Campus Housing expansion is no exception. This project pumped millions into our local economy and created thousands of jobs. As BU continues growing through SUNY 2020, they'll add more students and more value to the Southern Tier,” said Senator Thomas W. Libous.
Each building is constructed in the mini-suite style, with single and double bedrooms that share two private bathrooms. Each building also has a Great Room, kitchen, study lounges, recreation lounges, game rooms, a laundry room and hall offices for staff. The buildings extend the housing options available to students and provide community spaces in line with the history, feel and tradition of the Newing and Dickinson communities.
The Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center serves both communities with separate entrances, dining rooms and color schemes for each; an academic center accessible from both sides; a shared kitchen and serving area; a connecting outside patio; and the Kosher Kitchen.
Following the ceremony, guests were provided tours of one of the residence halls. The event was held in advance of ‘move-in’ day, which is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 22.
