Canisius University is working with the Erie County Industrial Development Agency on a $55 million bond package that will help to finance a series of renovations to a trio of buildings including the historic Old Main Hall, the oldest on Canisius’ Main Street campus.
Canisius President Steven Stoute calls the three planned renovations major game changers for the university. Simply put, all three are being driven by a competitive higher education market where innovative additions matter to both students and faculty.
“The investment in our capital physical plan is to drive our strategy and deliver better outcomes for our students and a more innovative, engaging academic experience for everyone,” Stoute said.
So, what’s coming to Canisius? Classrooms in Old Main will be renovated to modern standards. Work is underway on the first two classrooms, and they will be used as a litmus test for both students and faculty.
The two revamped classrooms should be ready by the start of the fall semester.
Stoute says renovations to other Old Main classrooms will follow once feedback comes back to Canisius leaders.
“Students expect from their educational experience a technology enabled one. It is digital, it is engaging, it is personal, and so we have to create a space that one, delivers that for students, but two, allows our faculty to think critically about how they deliver a Canisius education,” Stoute said.
Also in the works is the creation of a 30,000-square-foot “Student Success Center” in the Anthony Bouwhis Library. The center will offer a series of programs and help centers for the university’s students. The Canisius Science center will also see a series of renovations and upgrades.
In all, the three renovation projects are penciled in at slightly more than $15 million. The ECIDA directors are expected to approve the bond package when they meet on April 23rd.
