University at Buffalo announces plan for $1.64 billion in improvements

The University at Buffalo (UB) recently announced an updated master plan that involves completing numerous projects totaling $1.64 billion over the next decade. 

The building boom will see UB’s classrooms modernized and feature the construction of new buildings for university-wide growth in engineering, interdisciplinary research and artificial intelligence research and education. 

Sites and start dates for future construction are being finalized, but the university has launched a website to share updates with students, faculty and the community. 

“Whether it’s restoring some of our historic buildings for the next generation or adding several new ones to the campus landscape, the work planned at UB over the next 10 years will position the university well into the future,” Laura E. Hubbard, vice president for finance and administration, says. “By the time this period of construction is completed, it will have a transformational effect on our campuses, further advancing UB into the ranks of the nation’s leading public research universities.”   

Projects listed in the master plan include: 

• Construction of Russell L. Agrusa Hall, a new engineering building on the North Campus funded by a $40 million gift from UB alumnus and retired software executive Russell Agrusa and the state. The project will accommodate the growth of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, where enrollment has increased by 46% over the past decade. 

• A new AI-powered multidisciplinary research, education and entrepreneurship facility. The building will be used for research and education into “societal problems in a wide spectrum of sectors, ranging from medicine and finance to social justice and sustainable technologies,” the university says. 

• A 170,000-square-foot Interdisciplinary Research Building that will include new lab spaces for engineering, life sciences, physical sciences, and computer science. The building will share a location with the new AI and Society Building, the university said. 

• The James Joyce Museum, a dedicated space in Abbott Library for what the university said is the world’s most extensive collection of materials related to the “Ulysses” author. 

• Continuing renovations of the School of Education building and student union. 

Projects that are already in progress include new headquarters for the Graduate School of Education on the South Campus; improvements to the student union and the redesign of the Ellicott Complex residence hall on north campus. 

Recently completed projects include the Brittany Murchie Mulla Sports Performance Center and a new second-floor entryway to Silverman Library. 

Photo courtesy Can Pac Swire