Macdonough Hall Renovations Complete

August 23, 2005

PLATTSBURGH, NY __ The renovation of Macdonough Residence Hall at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh has been completed as students prepare to move back to campus for the fall semester. New student rooms and a state-of-the-art computer lab are just a couple of changes that were made to one of the oldest buildings on campus.

Macdonough Residence Hall "We are very pleased with the renovation of Macdonough Hall," said President John Ettling. "It's absolutely beautiful, inside and out. I'm sure both new and returning students will enjoy this new environment."
The renovation of Macdonough began in May 2004 and was recently completed on schedule, ready for its new occupants.

"We've updated everything," said Cathy Moulton, director of housing. "This was also an opportunity to add some things we thought were missing. The building now has more living space."

The projected cost of renovating Macdonough was $14 million. Funds for the project came from a 30-year bond, according to Stanley Supinski, director of facilities.

"This was a total gut and rehab project. We replaced the heating and water systems -- everything that is in there was replaced," said Supinski, who worked on the renovation plans with the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

DASNY facilitates construction and renovation projects of residence halls at public schools throughout New York State.

Moulton said several meetings took place with students regarding the plans for Macdonough prior to the renovation.

"Students had a lot of say as to what the new rooms look like. Basically everything was upgraded," said Moulton.

Macdonough Residence Hall Prior to its renovation, Macdonough Hall had 23 single-occupancy and 218 double-occupancy beds. Single-occupancy space was increased and rooms were added on the lower level making the new total occupancy 306. A central laundry area, computer lab, academic research center and study lounges were also added during the renovation and residents gained a new entrance on the side of the building.

Perhaps one of the most dramatic changes was to the inside of the front entrance and the main lounge area. The renovation opened up the space and increased natural light by replacing some of the walls with new windows.

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