One of Binghamton’s oldest residence halls becomes the newest

Old Rafuse Hall is one of the original residential buildings constructed on campus in 1958 as part of Dickinson Community. As the fully remodeled residence hall reopens its doors to residents with the start of the spring 2024 semester, Old Rafuse provides exciting opportunities for new first-year and transfer students.

“I’m really excited that we have a building with new students arriving mid-year who can build community with each other as they are all new and going through the same experience together,” said Amy Pollock Drake, senior associate director of residential life. “It’s even better that the building is newly renovated and joining the Dickinson community.”

Transitioning into college life mid-academic year can be rewarding and challenging. Old Rafuse gives this semester’s cohort of new students the opportunity to live together, learn together, make new friends, and share their experiences. Old Rafuse Hall houses 152 residents in double rooms off a shared corridor. The traditional community style bathrooms were reconfigured to provide students with private bathrooms. Additionally, the building boasts an updated lounge with new modern furniture as well as a brand new community kitchen.

“The building has been completely brought up to speed and has been completely updated to be a modern residence offering all new finishes,” said Ryan Roosa, associate director of residential life for operations and project management. Updates include new furnishings, flooring and Wi-Fi connectivity. Exterior work included new sidewalks, loading dock, a new parking lot configuration and landscaping.

Despite the fact Old Rafuse is one of the original residence halls on campus, the interiors are comparable to any other building on campus.

“Everything within the building is new and state of the art,” said Roosa. “We did not sacrifice any quality or care in renovating the building. It still maintains the same standard and features that we have across our campus — while also maintaining some of our history.”

The project included asbestos abatement, minor building demo, construction of new corridor walls, full replacement of mechanical systems and plumbing systems and installation of new windows, doors and lighting along with new paint and finishes.