DASNY Issues $150 million in Low-Cost Bonds Supporting SUNY Residence Hall Projects
SUNY University at Albany expected to receive about $8 million to support rehab projects in the Capital Region
Gerrard P. Bushell, DASNY President & CEO, announced today that the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and the State University of New York issued approximately $150 million in low-cost, tax-exempt bonds through DASNY’s SUNY Dormitory Facilities Program for residence hall capital projects across New York State.
The DASNY-SUNY financing partnership is expected to deliver about $8 million to the Capital Region to support renovation projects at the University at Albany. Extensive work is being done to improve Herkimer Hall and the Dutch Quad and other campus locations, including elevator rehabbing, facade sealing, window replacement and extensive masonry work to fortify and protect buildings and students. The projects will be completed to LEED-Silver standards under the U.S. Green Building Council’s sustainability and energy efficiency guidelines.
DASNY President & CEO Gerrard P. Bushell said, “DASNY is proud to partner with SUNY to deliver low-cost financing to develop and upgrade residence halls at the University at Albany. Best-in-class living and learning infrastructure achieved at low cost is paramount to New York’s ability to attract the best and the brightest students to grow our economy.”
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, “SUNY is happy with the excellent result of this bond sale, which will provide low-cost borrowing for the self-sufficient residence hall program. This will help maintain a safe, convenient, and affordable living environment for our students. We are pleased to, once again, provide this necessary financing in partnership with DASNY.”
University at Albany Interim President James R. Stellar said, "We're pleased to partner with DASNY and SUNY to upgrade our residence halls. With growing enrollment and expansion of our academic offerings, the continuous improvement of our facilities is essential in providing a secure and productive learning and living environment for the university community."
Herkimer Hall was constructed in 1965-66, and still exists in its original form having never undergone substantial renovations and most of its building systems are being replaced in their entirety. This includes: all interior finishes, mechanical systems, plumbing systems, and electrical power and lighting. This project is part of a continuum of residence hall renovation projects on the University at Albany campus.
The goals of this project include: maximizing the bed count, providing entirely new building systems, and updated amenities.
The University’s Dutch Quad buildings G & H are undergoing a comprehensive renovation as well. The lower level currently consists of kitchen and dining facilities, a child care center wrapping around an existing central courtyard, loading dock and mechanical spaces.
Also, the residential floors will be reconfigured to allow for smaller private bathrooms within suites. A variety of lounges will be incorporated into the design with interior windows to allow natural light to transmit into the interior of the residential floors. Laundry will be integrated into each floor. Finishes and building systems will be upgraded to improve livability. An Academic Student Success Center and vending café will be introduced into the central first floor space between the two residence halls to foster a Living-Learning Community on Dutch Quad.
Other on campus projects include: the renovation of Mohawk Tower and its elevator system, as well as repairs to the Livingston Tower façade.
View project photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskYWro11