University at Buffalo

OPEN GALLERY

Highlights

• Site – 235 acres
• 3,380 New Student Beds
• LEED Gold
• Each of Ellicott’s six residential quads is given a distinct identity and a central heart that supports community formation and social interaction.
• An open space network of pedestrian-scaled streets, plazas, and green spaces frames specific housing sites.
• Interior courtyards anchor individual residence halls and link back to pedestrian pathways.
• A flexible parcel structure enables projects to be developed independently as financial realities dictate.

Perspectives

“Recognizing that enhancing the student experience is a cornerstone of the university’s strategic plan, the housing master plan seeks to provide a unique and memorable living experience in an efficient, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. The overarching intent of the plan is to assess existing residential conditions; understand the market realities of its neighboring context, and develop a strategic vision and road map for investment in student housing facilities over the next ten years on UB’s North Campus. The plan establishes a bold vision that increases undergraduate and graduate student beds; strategically consolidates housing; guides the creation of an active public realm; activates the lakefront; and integrates student housing with opportunities for collaboration, allied industry partnership, and innovation.

The vision for North Campus relies upon repositioning the Ellicott Complex and Parcel B, a vast unused expanse of land next to the academic core. A residential demand survey and detailed analysis (facilities conditions, mortgage obligations, qualitative assessments, etc.) was prepared followed by an accompanying implementation strategy that included phasing, cost estimates, and a financial plan. Aligned with the strategic mission to densify student housing and foster experiential learning and entrepreneurship, Parcel B is transformed into a 21st century mixed-use housing and innovation district. New development is balanced with the phased retiring of aging housing and the revitalization of Ellicott as a mixed student housing complex. A new public realm structure with diverse open spaces enhances connections across campus and provides access to the lakefront.

Strategic renewal and modernization of the Ellicott Complex replaces academic and administrative ground floor programs with student-oriented spaces, promotes community at multiple scales, improves overall organization and wayfinding, and reinforces the complex’s original vision as a robust residential community. Parcel B is repositioned as a vibrant and dense mixed-use district that seamlessly integrates multi-year residential beds with academic, innovation, student life, and wellness functions at the heart of campus.”

Project Team

Sasaki; also U3 Associates; Tom Hier; Joy Kuebler