The Daily Bulletin Archive

By Jerod Dahlgren

After months of planning and preparation, construction is about to get under way on Buffalo State’s new student housing project. The new 507-bed apartment-style dormitory, to be located on Lot L, will feature 124 four-bed apartments, each with single rooms and full kitchens, and main-floor common space with laundry facilities and activities. Construction is scheduled for completion in spring 2011.

With an increased need for on-campus housing, a new not-for-profit corporation, the BSCF Housing Corporation, was formed to expedite the financing and construction process.

“This is a project that is long overdue, and we are excited that it is moving forward,” said Stanley Kardonsky, vice president for finance and management. “While construction may be a nuisance for faculty, staff, and our commuter students, this new residence hall will reduce crowding in our existing dorms and eliminate the need to house students at the Adam’s Mark hotel. The end result will be a better overall experience for our students.”

To accommodate construction-site preparation, Lot L will be permanently removed from service on Wednesday, November 25.* Construction of the college’s new $48 million student housing project is scheduled to begin Friday, November 27.

The recent addition of 159 parking spaces in Lot R and the soon-to-be-completed 411-space expansion of Lot M will more than make up for the loss of 433 spaces in Lot L, Kardonsky said. The recently enacted freshman and sophomore resident-student parking ban also saves an estimated 475 spots.

Despite the surplus of new spaces, Kardonsky is advising everyone on campus to be patient in the coming weeks as students, faculty, and staff adjust to the new parking configuration.

“The removal of Lot L from service will undoubtedly require some adjustment on the part of our students, faculty, and staff,” said Kardonsky. “But once the expansion of Lot M is complete, there will be sufficient parking available on campus.”

To better accommodate faculty, students, and staff, an additional service is planned for those who park in lots along Rockwell Road and Letchworth Street. A free shuttle service linking Lots M, G, and C is planned and will be operational soon. The new shuttle, which will be known as the M-G-C Direct, will be available from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. This schedule may be adjusted in response to user needs and demand, Kardonsky added.

Please check the Daily or www.buffalostate.edu/construction for a finalized shuttle schedule, pickup and drop-off sites, and service commencement date.

The overnight escort shuttle van, which currently serves the entire campus and is free to faculty, staff, and students, will also be enhanced with the addition of early-evening hours to its schedule. University Police will also increase patrols near Lot M, which will feature enhanced lighting.

Questions about student housing construction, Lot M expansion, or the new shuttle service may be e-mailed to VPFM@buffalostate.edu.