Construction update

Work is underway to create two classrooms in Old Rafuse and Old Digman that will be ready for the fall semester. These classrooms will generally seat 36 students each.

At the same time, a larger project is in the beginning stages in Old Whitney to construct two classrooms. Other rooms will be converted into office space for graduate and teaching assistants. The project includes code and energy updates, new windows and a new roof. Work will be complete in August 2014. A classroom is also being created in Old Champlain, scheduled for completion in August 2014. The classroom and office additions are taking place to meet demand due to plans for increased enrollment and more faculty hiring.

Construction fencing now surrounds Old O’Connor/Johnson. The buildings are being gutted to create office space in Old Johnson for Information Technology Services and the Department of Geography. Old O’Connor will house Division of External Affairs functions such as the Binghamton University Foundation and an alumni lounge. The project includes a connector between Old Johnson and Old O’Connor halls that will provide a common entry for both buildings. Work will wrap up in late 2014.

Demolition and site utility work is taking place at the Dickinson Dining Hall project site. The former dining hall is being renovated to create a showcase facility that will house the offices of enrollment management, student accounts and financial aid. The project involves adding 13,000 square feet to the existing building. The project will be complete in spring 2014.

The steel structure for the rotunda and addition to the University Union can be seen as work continues on this two-phase project. Food service areas are being renovated and most new serving stations are complete. The renovated space in the north area will house the Career Development Center, the Center for Civic Engagement, the Tutoring Center, the Educational Opportunity Program and TRiO. Construction completion is anticipated in spring 2014.

Finishing touches including furniture deliveries and building systems testing are underway in the new Johnson, O’Connor, Digman and Rafuse halls. Site work is in progress and some new sidewalks are in place. Landscaping is also occurring. Most of the fencing around the project will come down later this summer. Johnson, O’Connor and Rafuse will open in August. Digman will open in January 2014.

Construction of the Center of Excellence at the Innovative Technologies Complex continues. Most exterior work is complete and efforts are focused on creating interior spaces. Engineering Building renovations are advancing in a project that is providing new office, lab, classroom and conference space for the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. New restrooms and mechanical systems are also part of the project.

Smaller summer maintenance projects are active and include landscaping improvements around the Lecture Hall, road lighting additions and upgrades, corridor renovations in several buildings, and painting and other upgrades in residential halls.