With the almost $27 million renovation nearly complete, students are now excited to see the newest improvement to the SUNY Cortland Campus.
If you walk past Van Hoesen this week, you can see what is taking shape inside. Most of the protective barriers that kept students from looking in have come down, and the building looks close to the finish line. There is also a brand new crosswalk out front and students are already using it between classes to move safely through the area.
Campus updates first described the improvements as a comprehensive refresh. Plans included modern studios with better acoustics, universally accessible spaces, outdoor areas for casual gathering and classes, and a quiet testing environment for students who need it. The university noted that the original target date for completion was winter of 2026, before the timeline was tightened.
The view through the glass now tells its own story. New finishes are visible in halls and classrooms. Construction crews are dialing in the last details. With the crosswalk in place, the space around Van Hoesen already feels more connected to the daily flow of campus life. Students pass by, slow down, and point out the new features to friends. Curiosity spikes as everyone tries to imagine the classes that will take place inside these rooms.
When the doors open, the upgrade should mean more collaboration for classes, clubs, and student media. It should also make it easier to find counseling and academic resources in a single place.
The renovation has been a long running project and it is on track to wrap up by the end of the fall semester. The work began in 2023 and focused on Wing C with major interior and exterior updates. The university said that the project centralized in the Communications and Media Studies Department, and that it will bring together Conley Counseling and Wellness Services, Disability Resources, and the Educational Opportunity Program in one location.