UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY COLLEGE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY, SCIENCE, AND ENGINEERING
Albany, NY
Honor Award | Historic Preservation/Adaptive Reuse
CSArch
The landmark former Albany High School, built in 1913, is undergoing a comprehensive renovation by the University at Albany. Acquired in 2013, this 129,000-square-foot Neoclassical building is being transformed into the College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering (CNSE), offering state-of-the-art facilities for engineering and computer science programs.
Despite its age, many historical features like the corridors, skylights, and a 1200-seat auditorium remained intact and are being preserved. The multi-phased project, prioritizing both historical preservation and modern functionality, includes exterior restoration, window replacement, and ADA-compliant upgrades. Interior renovations are converting spaces like the gymnasium into a Maker-Tinker Lab while maintaining elements like Guastavino tile ceilings and terrazzo floors.
The $85 million project, on track for LEED Gold certification, is expected to be completed in 2027, expanding UAlbany’s downtown campus significantly.
“This project sets a high bar; the design responds beautifully and respectfully to the existing architecture and context.”
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Client: University at Albany
Design Team & Consultants: William Pennock, AIA, Submitting Architect; Mark Landon, AIA, Project Manager; Killian Miles, AIA, Project Architect; Douglas Dickinson, AIA, Senior Project Architect; Ashley Sheehan, Senior Interior Designer; Zachary Malison, Senior Mechanical Engineer; Michael Strohecker, Mechanical Engineer; David Bratt, Plumbing Designer; Nicholas Rohan, Electrical Designer; Thaler Reilly Wilson Architecture & Preservation, Historic Preservation; MJ Engineering, Civil & Structural Engineering; Foit Albert Associate, Fire Protection; Watts Architecture & Engineering, Hazardous Materials; D2D Green Architecture, Sustainability; Design Network Interior Planning & Design, Interior Design; Gilbane, Construction Management; Consigli, General Contracting
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© Phillip Quindara, CSArch