St. Bonaventure Dorms to Get Overhaul

St. Bonaventure University officials today unveiled a $7.5 million plan to completely renovate Robinson and Falconio freshman residence halls and invest in common space upgrades to historic Devereux Hall, a residence hall for sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Most of the money will be dedicated to Robinson and Falconio renovations, which will significantly enhance student rooms, lounge and other common spaces, hallways, restrooms, and laundry facilities.

Devereux Hall upgrades, totaling approximately $250,000, will focus on common spaces, including the installation of a fireplace.

The Robinson/Falconio project is being debt-funded and will cost approximately 70 percent less than building new residence facilities to replace them, university officials said.

“We convened a university-wide team to consider our existing housing accommodations and options for meeting and exceeding student living expectations and needs,” said Nichole Gonzalez, executive director for Residential Living and Conduct. “We are thrilled that the university is proceeding with this plan that reflects current and prospective student input.”

The plans were created over the past eight months in consultation with current students as well as residence life, facilities and enrollment staff.

Cannon Design was contracted for design and architecture services. Cannon is the firm of record for the Hickey Dining Hall renovations as well as the Richter Center, Walsh Science Center, De La Roche Hall, Café La Verna, Holy Name Library for the Franciscan Institute and William E. and Ann L. Swan Business Center projects.

The residence hall projects are part of an overall $10 million bond issue that the university is pursuing, following endorsement last week by the Board of Trustees Finance, Enrollment, and Student Affairs committees.

Of the $10 million, $2.5 million will be directed toward deferred maintenance projects, including: mechanical upgrades and repairs, roof and concrete (sidewalks and steps) repairs, as well as refurbishment of the library entrance and reading room, repair of the chapel's ADA ramp, and painting the exterior of Plassmann Hall's window frames.

As part of the process of securing debt financing in the bond market, the university sought and received preliminary authorization today for tax exemption from the Cattaraugus County Capital Resource Corp.

The residence hall projects and most of the deferred maintenance upgrades will be completed by fall 2014.

Construction updates and photos will be available starting in May on www.sbu.edu/RobFalDev.

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