The University at Albany is moving forward with a plan to purchase Centennial Hall, a former residence hall from the now-closed College of Saint Rose, for $12 million. The acquisition aims to address a significant shortage of apartment-style housing for its students, with plans to accommodate up to 500 upperclassmen in the building by the fall of 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The University at Albany will acquire the former Saint Rose residence hall, Centennial Hall, for $12 million.
- The building will provide apartment-style housing for approximately 500 juniors and seniors.
- Officials aim to have the residence hall ready for students by the fall 2026 semester.
- The purchase addresses UAlbany's current housing overcapacity and allows for future renovations on its main campus.
Addressing a Critical Housing Shortage
University at Albany President Havidán Rodríguez confirmed the purchase is a direct response to escalating demand for student housing. The university's current residence halls are operating beyond their intended capacity, creating a pressing need for more living space, particularly for upper-level students seeking more independent living arrangements.
"We are exceeding our maximum capacity in our residence halls on the UAlbany campus," President Rodríguez stated. "This will provide additional apartment-style opportunities for our students."
The four-story Centennial Hall contains 225 apartment-style rooms. Its location, situated about three miles south of the main UAlbany campus, offers a strategic expansion point that officials believe will alleviate the strain on existing facilities.
A New Chapter for a Former Campus
The College of Saint Rose closed its doors permanently, leaving numerous buildings vacant. The purchase of Centennial Hall by UAlbany marks a significant step in repurposing the former campus infrastructure, preventing the property from falling into disuse and contributing to the local economy.
Significant Renovations Required
While the structure of Centennial Hall is sound, the building requires extensive renovations before students can move in. Albany County Executive Dan McCoy noted that essential systems were neglected in the final years of the College of Saint Rose's operation.
"Saint Rose didn't do a good job in the last couple of years taking care of the boilers. The stuff you don’t see," McCoy explained. He added that infrastructure for internet, security cameras, and other building systems need to be upgraded or replaced entirely.
Project by the Numbers
- Purchase Price: $12 million
- Student Capacity: 500 juniors and seniors
- Number of Rooms: 225 apartment-style units
- Target Opening: Fall 2026
The county executive expressed confidence that the necessary repairs would be completed to welcome students by the fall of 2026. The purchase price will help fund these critical improvements.
Economic Impact and Community Concerns
The project is expected to deliver a positive economic impact. President Rodríguez highlighted the university's role as a major economic driver in the region and how reopening the dorm will help restore revenue lost after Saint Rose's closure.
"The University at Albany has a $1.1 billion annual economic impact in our community," Rodríguez said.
However, the plan has not been met with universal approval from local residents. County Executive McCoy acknowledged that he has attended several public meetings where community members expressed their concerns about the university's expansion into the neighborhood.
McCoy addressed these worries by pointing to the alternative scenario. "We do want to be good neighbors, but they also have to know if we didn't step in, what this place would be looking like right now," he said, referencing the risk of the property becoming derelict. He mentioned that issues with break-ins have already occurred since the building was vacated.
Future Plans for UAlbany's Campus
The acquisition of Centennial Hall is not just about adding beds; it is a key part of a larger, long-term strategy for the university. Once the new residence hall is operational, it will free up space and resources, allowing UAlbany to begin much-needed renovations and demolition of older buildings on its main campus.
When asked about the possibility of acquiring other properties from the former Saint Rose campus, President Rodríguez remained focused on the current project. He stated that the university's priority is to successfully open Centennial Hall.
"But once it’s completed, we’ll go from there," he added, leaving the door open for potential future expansions.