SUNY Oneonta Alumni Hall Rehabilitation

Erdman Anthony provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) and energy analysis services for the rehabilitation of SUNY Oneonta’s Alumni Hall, a steel-framed former library that dates to the 1950s.

The project required reducing then-current energy use by 50%, per State University Construction Fund (SUCF) Directive IB-2. Our firm compared various systems to meet that mandate.

To make way for a modern structure, most of the building was gutted so that the extensive interior renovation could take place. The building’s features now range from water-efficient toilets, urinals, and faucets to LED lighting. The new HVAC system uses chilled beams and fan coils, allowing for quiet operation and using low-temperature heating for energy efficiency.

Because design occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, rapidly changing ASHRAE standards altered the ventilation requirements and led to a mid-job redesign. It also was necessary to incorporate directives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health as the project progressed.

The 47,600-gross-square-foot building now has purpose-designed space for the business and economics departments and the Division of University Advancement. Plus, as a result of collaboration with the architect, the design upgrades have improved thermal comfort and building performance.

The building earned LEED Platinum certification.