SUNY Cortland continues to make improvements to all aspects of campus through new construction projects. At this time, four campus construction projects were finished over the summer, one is currently in progress, and two are planned for the future.
This past summer, Cortland checked multiple projects off its list and revamped several parts of campus. The biggest project completed over the summer was the redesign of the Broadway Ave., Neubig Rd., and Pashley Drive intersection. Construction started on March 24th, 2024, while students were still on campus. After students left campus, Neubig Rd. and Pashley were closed as the roads were being torn up and repaved. The intersection finally opened during the second week of July and was completely finished by freshman move-in day, August 22nd, 2024.
The new intersection features a left-hand turn lane on both the Neubig Rd. and Pashley sides, which helps alleviate traffic congestion both up the hill and towards the SLC. One of the biggest new features is the addition of a bus stop and sidewalk near the EMS house (across from UPD), which replaced the bus stop near Hayes Hall. The new traffic lights installed can be controlled from UPD, helping regulate traffic and ensuring safer pedestrian crossings during busy times on campus, such as move-in day or the upcoming home Cortaca.
Campus dining received two new renovations over the summer, including the new campus Dunkin’ Donuts, which replaced Union Station, and Neubig received a revamp to accommodate ASC’s new program, Neubig Nites. Dunkin’ construction started after students left campus, and Neubig’s renovation began the week of May 6th, 2024, with both projects being finished in the latter half of the summer. At this point in the semester, both seem to be great additions, as the line for Dunkin’ always fills the first floor of Corey Union, and students rave about the additional late-night food options Neubig Nites has been providing.
Lastly, over the summer, construction took place on residential parking lot S-70, better known as D-Lot. The lot was repaved, and new parking spots were added. This is a major campus improvement, as the lot previously showed significant wear and tear. This improvement follows the campus receiving substantial backlash regarding residential parking. Although it doesn’t fully address students’ main complaints, improvement is improvement nonetheless.
Currently, the Cornish Van Hoesen C-Wing renovation is still in progress and has been since the Fall 2023 semester. The renovations aim to upgrade both buildings and add new facilities for the communication and media studies department. Construction is reported to be ahead of schedule and is rumored to be finished by the upcoming Spring 2025 semester.
Looking ahead, Cortland has two construction projects planned. The first is Alger Hall, which was supposed to begin construction last spring but was delayed. Construction has been pushed back a year and is set to take place in Spring 2025, meaning all current residents will be relocated. Alger is expected to be completed by Fall 2025. All current residents of the hall were promised first preference for the renovated hall during the room selection process for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The second planned construction is Corey Union, set to begin in Spring 2026. The entire building will be renovated, but the school has not released a completion date. Possible construction plans were drawn up and shown to SGA’s Student Senate last spring for feedback. It will be interesting to see how the school navigates closing Corey, as it serves as the main building for a majority of campus programming and features numerous campus offices.
Although campus construction can sometimes be a nuisance, Cortland’s constant new projects are a testament to the continuous growth of the campus. The college continues to improve in every aspect that affects students, whether residential, academic, or dining. With the success of this summer’s projects, it’s safe to say the future of campus construction is looking optimistic.