PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.- The State University of New York at Plattsburgh broke ground on its new School of Business + Economics/Computer Science building, designed by Gwathmey Siegel Kaufman + Associates Architects. The LEED project is the first new academic building to be constructed on the university campus in more than 30 years.

“The campus at SUNY Plattsburgh is spectacular, combining the breathtaking natural beauty of the Chaplain Valley with an intelligent built environment,” said Robert Siegel, one of the founders of Gwathmey Siegel who led the design team. “This new academic building will add sensitively to its surroundings while providing state-of-the-art facilities for students and faculty. We are delighted that the project is underway and we look forward to opening the doors in early 2013.”

GSKA, which has an extensive resume of acclaimed academic design work for institutions including Harvard, Princeton and Yale Universities in addition to other SUNY campuses, was awarded the project in 2009 by the State University Construction Fund. The creation of the building program and design was a collaborative process done in concert with SUNY Plattsburgh’s building committee, which is comprised of academic and facilities staff as well as students, in order to address the collective needs and goals of the project.

The new 43,400-square-foot, three-story building will be home to the Business, Economics and Computer Science departments serving approximately 1,200 students as well as 50 faculty and staff members. The building’s crisp, evenly-toned facade reflects SUNY Plattsburgh’s visual “brand” of light‐colored brick, with particular sensitivity to the tonality of the signature campus structures such as Hawkins Hall, Angell College Center and Feinberg Library. The building will house a variety of classrooms, computer labs, video conferencing facilities, study lounges and faculty offices featuring the latest in technology and audio-visual teaching and presentation systems. Terrazzo flooring, wood paneling and millwork and metal panel ceilings will enhance the public and academic spaces and students and faculty will also enjoy an outdoor roof terrace overlooking the campus.

"Gwathmey Siegel has a long and successful history of partnering with colleges and universities to create meaningful spaces that add to the academic and cultural vibrancy of their campuses," said Gene Kaufman, principal of Gwathmey, Siegel, Kaufman & Associates. “We are grateful for the opportunity to bring this building to life for the students and faculty of SUNY Plattsburgh.”

Construction is slated for completion in late 2012 in preparation for the 2013 spring semester.