Part 5: Final Recommendation - SUNY Cobleskill

SUNY Cobleskill 

SUCF Project No. 24822 

November 2011 

Facilities Master Plan 

SUNY Cobleskill 

2013-2023 

5 

FINAL 

RECOMMENDATION 

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5 

SUNY Cobleskill Facilities Master Plan – Phase 5 Report 

FINAL RECOMMENDATION 

November 2011 

Facilities Master Plan - SUNY Cobleskill 

2013-2023 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 4 

PRESIDENT’S ENDORSEMENT 5 

INTRODUCTION 5 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6 

A CAMPUS STRATEGIC PLAN 12 

ASSESSMENT OF 2006 MEMORANDUM 12 

OF UNDERSTANDING 

SUMMARY AND REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLAN 12 

IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN 13 

B ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS 14 

STUDENT ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS 14 

FACULTY & STAFF PROJECTIONS 14 

ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTIONS 14 

C CAMPUS PLANNING 15 

UNDERSTANDING THE LEARNING SPECTRUM 15 

Scheduled Instructional Environments 15 

Informal Instructional Environments 16 

Health, Wellness & Athletic Space 17 

OPTIMIZE RESOURCES 18 

D SPACE NEEDS 19 

SPACE NEEDS BY FUNCTION 19 

SPACE NEEDS BY DEPARTMENT 19 

Space Needs by School 19 

E EXISTING CONDITIONS 22 

LAND USE 22 

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION 22 

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION 22 

PARKING 24 

BUS SERVICE 24 

BUILDING RENOVATIONS PER BCAS 24 

SITE INFRASTRUCTURE, CIRCULATION & 24 

LANDSCAPE 

F PROPERTY ACQUISITION 24 

G COMMUNITY ISSUES 26 

ROUTE 7 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CONCERNS 26 

ECONOMIC DEPENDENCE 26 

LAND USE & STEWARDSHIP 26 

H HOUSING 26 

I SITE UTILITIES 26 

WATER 27 

STEAM & HOT WATER 27 

SANITARY SEWER 27 

STORM DRAINAGE 27 

NATURAL GAS 27 

ELECTRICAL 27 

DATA 28 

J LANDSCAPE PLAN 28 

K RECOMMENDATIONS 31 

PLANNING OBJECTIVES 31 

Approach to Agriculture & Natural Resources 31 

Approach to Business 31 

Approach to Liberal Arts & Sciences 31 

Approach to Library, Collaboration, 31 

and Food Service 

Campus Entry Sequence 33 

Approach to Albany Avenue 33 

Approach to Parking 33 

RECOMMENDATION HIGHLIGHTS 33 

RECOMMENDED STUDIES 38 

ACADEMIC INITIATIVES 39 

ACADEMIC (FARM) INITIATIVES 49 

SHARED INITIATIVES 50 

SUPPORT INITIATIVES 62 

OPEN SPACE INITIATIVES 62 

L DEMOLITION 68 

M TECHNOLOGY 68 

AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEMS 69 

SECURITY 69 

N GREENING 70 

ENERGY 70 

WATER 70 

WASTE 71 

TRANSPORTATION 71 

ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT 71 

FUNDING 71 

O SUMMARY OF 2023 NEEDS MET 72 

P CRITICAL PATH & PHASING 73 

Q SURGE SPACE 78 

R COST ESTIMATE 78 

S CAMPUS OPERATIONS 85 

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FINAL 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 


November 2011 

SUNY Cobleskill, Steering Committee 

Dr. Candace S. Vancko, Officer-in-Charge 

Bonnie G. Martin, Vice President for Operations 

Dr. Debra Thatcher, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs 

Dr. Donald P. Zingale, President (retired) 

Pat Wiater, Executive Vice President for Administration & Finance (retired) 

Steve Ackerknecht, Vice President for Student Development & Collegiate Life 

Ed Asselin, Assistant Vice President for Student Development/Director of Residential Life 

Phil Arnold, Director of Facilities Management 

Regina LaGatta, Vice President for College Advancement 

John Rose, Facilities Management Program Coordinator 

Susan Zimmermann, Interim Dean of the School of Liberal Arts 

Jerry Stacy, Executive Director of SUNY Cobleskill Auxiliary Services Inc. 

Tom Poltynski, Farm Coordinator 

Therese Garufi, Director of Equestrian Center 

Elizabeth Orgeron, Dean of the Van Wagenen Library 

Frank Lawrence, Chief of University Police and Emergency Management 

Jennifer Gray, Director of Institutional Research 

Tara Winter, Interim College Registrar/Director of Academic Planning and Analysis 

Lynn Dunn, Chair/Professor, Agricultural Business and Animal Science 

Chester Burton, Professor, School of Business 

James Dutcher, Chief Information Officer 

Timothy Moore, Interim Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources 

Michael McCaskey, School of Business 

Allan Quinn, Construction/Project Manager 

State University Construction Fund, Client Coordinator 

Jeffery Bittner, Capital Program Manager 

Consultant Team 

Perkins Eastman 

Christine Albright, Principal-in-Charge 

David Levo, Senior Associate, Project Manager and Senior Planner 

Katherine Gluckselig, Architect/Planner 

Daniel Ghesquiere, Architect/Planner 

Preeti Gupta, Architect/Planner 

Linhart Consulting, Educational Planning 

Trowbridge & Wolf, Landscape Architect 

M/E Engineering, MEP 

Leslie E. Robertson Associates, Structural 

Woodard & Curran, Civil 

Bruckhurst, Fish & Jacquemart [BFJ], Transportation 

VJ Associates, Cost Consultants 

Shen Milsom & Wilke [SM&W], IT & Security 

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FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS 

November 2011 

PRESIDENT’S ENDORSEMENT 

INTRODUCTION 

November 23, 2011 

‘‘This statement recognizes the efforts of the State University Construction Fund and 

Perkins Eastman in creating the Facilities Master Plan for the State University of New York 

College at Cobleskill. As the new Officer-in-Charge, I am grateful for the efforts of the 

campus community, the deans, and the vice presidents for providing Perkins Eastman with 

documentation and feedback for the completion of the Facilities Master Plan 2013-2023. 

As a result, the planned projects described in Phase 5 will assist in positioning our campus 

for success. I support the findings and goals contained in the plan, and the campus will 

continue to use this document as a planning tool for years to come.’’ 

Sincerely, 

The State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology 

at Cobleskill, known as SUNY Cobleskill, is a fully accredited, public, 

residential college offering 50 Bachelor’s and Associate degree programs 

through its School of Agriculture & Natural Resources, School of Business, 

and School of Liberal Arts. The State University Construction Fund [SUCF] 

engaged Perkins Eastman, along with its team of consultants, to conduct 

a Facilities Master Plan [FMP] for the College’s approximately 450 acres 

of State-owned land and 350 acres of Foundation and Campus Auxiliary 

Services-owned land. The FMP study was initiated in Fall of 2010. In the 

following months a wide array of information was collected and analyzed 

to gain a full understanding of the College in terms of academics, facilities, 

community, and culture. 

The full FMP document consists of five phases: 

Candace S. Vancko, Ph.D. 

Officer-in-Charge 

1. Campus Profile 

2. Assessment of Conditions 

3. Analysis of Space Needs 

4. Concept Alternatives 

5. Final Recommendation 

The intent of the document is to provide guidelines for future campus 

improvements and developments that support SUNY Cobleskill’s 

academic mission and strategic plan. It will also identify, prioritize, and 

structure future project requests for capital funding. This report, Phase 5 

of the FMP, presents the Facilities Master Plan – Final Recommendations. 

Phase 5 builds upon the previous efforts from the Phase 1-4 reports as 

well as input from the Steering Committee. 

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FINAL 


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 


November 2011 

Mission and Vision 

History 

Distinguished Academic Programs and Accreditation 

It is the mission of SUNY Cobleskill to provide students with a high-quality 

educational experience supported by technology for an affordable price. 

Above all, the College strives to maintain a student-centered learning 

environment that fosters “friendship, cooperation, and respect.” The 

vision of SUNY Cobleskill as an institution can be simply summarized as 

“real life: real learning,” and refers to the College’s continued tradition 

of experiential learning. 

Opportunities for hands-on learning are woven into the College’s 

curriculum in all three Schools. A wide variety of field experiences are 

available through the School of Agriculture, from raising fish at the 

coldwater fish hatchery to training horses at the campus’s state-of-theart 

equestrian center. Students enrolled in the College’s Histotechnology 

program, offered through the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, 

complete a 400-hour clinical rotation at an affiliate hospital as part of 

their studies. Culinary Arts students in the School of Business have the 

opportunity to apply their skills in “kitchen” laboratories and work at the 

student-run American Heritage Restaurant. These and other hands-on 

experiences offered by the College encourage the practical application 

of knowledge, giving students the advantage of real-life experience prior 

to graduation. 

SUNY Cobleskill is one of eight Colleges of Technology in the SUNY 

system. Set in rural surroundings on approximately 800 acres, the 

College is only a 40-minute drive from Albany, conveniently located in 

the “middle of everywhere.” 

The College has a rich history and is among the oldest agricultural 

schools of its kind in New York State, dating back to 1911 when a charter 

for the school was approved by the New York State Legislature as part 

of a nation-wide government initiative to support agricultural education. 

Since the school first opened its doors to students in 1916, it has operated 

under several different names. When the State University of New York 

[SUNY] System was formed in 1948, the College was one of the first 

institutions to be included. 

Like many colleges and universities in New York and the United States, 

the College experienced major growth in the 1960s and 1970s, the 

period in which most of the existing campus facilities were constructed. In 

1987, the College offered its first Baccalaureate degree, the Bachelor of 

Technology in Agricultural Science, and in the same year was renamed 

the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology 

at Cobleskill. 

Now approaching its Centennial, SUNY Cobleskill has continued to 

evolve both physically and academically. Today the College has a diverse 

student body and offers a variety of extracurricular activities, with more 

than 50 student clubs, a number of campus-wide events, and intramural 

athletics. The College also competes at the NCAA Division III level of 

intercollegiate sports as part of the North Eastern Athletic Conference. 

At a national level, SUNY Cobleskill is distinguished for its programs in 

Agriculture, Natural Resources, Fisheries and Wildlife, Dairy Production, 

and Equine Studies. It has received regional and state-wide recognition for 

its programs in Financial Services, Culinary Arts, Information Technology 

and Technology Management, and Early Childhood. 

SUNY Cobleskill is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges 

and Secondary Schools. Specialized accredited academic programs 

include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Culinary Arts, accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the 

American Culinary Federation 

Early Childhood, accredited by the National Association for the 

Education of Young Children 

Histotechnology, accredited by the National Accrediting Agency 

for Clinical Lab Sciences 

Agricultural Equipment Technology, accredited by the Associated 

Equipment Distributors Foundation 

In addition to these accreditations, the College is a member of the 

National Chef’s Collaborative, the New York State Restaurant Association, 

the Baker’s Guild, and the New York State Hospitality and Tourism 

Association. 

In terms of academics, the College currently features 19 Baccalaureate 

degree programs and 31 Associate degree programs in a wide range 

of disciplines. In addition, a certificate program is offered for Meat 

Processing & Food Safety, which takes advantage of the College’s onsite 

USDA approved meat processing facility. The College was recently 

recognized as one of the Best Regional Colleges in the North by U.S. 

News & World Report. 

While the College has undergone many transformations since it 

was established in the beginning of the 20th century, it maintains its 

commitment to offering high-quality education with a focus on “real 

learning” for “real life.” 

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November 2011 

Enrollment 

SUNY Cobleskill Institutional Research [IR] is projecting 7% FTE enrollment 

growth through the next planning period, with 2,686 FTE students in 

2023. At a departmental level, the greatest enrollment increase (38%) is 

expected for the School of Agriculture & Natural Resources. This is partly 

attributed to the addition of the new Alternative Energy program, but 

significant growth is also projected for Agricultural Business (51%) and 

Animal Science (41%). Enrollment for the School of Business is projected 

to increase 5% from 2009 to 2023, driven by growth in Business & 

Accounting (24%) and Culinary Arts (14%). Computer Technology, 

however, is expected to decrease in enrollment by 42%. The School of 

Liberal Arts & Sciences expects a marginal decline, driven by a projected 

decrease in enrollment for Mathematics (41%) and Natural Sciences 

(24%). Increased enrollment is projected for Early Childhood (20%), 

Health and Physical Education (20%) and Social Sciences (12%), while 

Humanities/Communication/Graphic Design remains steady. 

FTE 

3,000 

2,500 

2,000 

1,500 

1,000 

500 

2,446 FTE (Actual) 




121 FTE Faculty (Actual) 2,575 FTE (Proj. by SUNY IR) 2009 is the base year of the FMP 

286 FTE Staff 


2,582 FTE (Proj. by SUNY IR) 2,474 FTE (Proj. by FMP) 

130 FTE Faculty (Proj. by FMP) 

307 FTE Staff (Proj. by FMP) 




2,686 FTE (Proj. by FMP) 

2,566 FTE (Proj. by SUNY IR) 

Student FTE Projected by SUNY IR 

Student FTE Projected by FMP 

Staff FTE Projected by FMP 

Faculty FTE Projected by FMP 



Graphic 1 

Student, Faculty & Staff 

Projections 





0 

2008 

2013 

2018 

2023 

Curent 2008-2013 SUCF funding cycle 

YEAR 

7

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FINAL 



November 2011 

Existing Conditions on Campus 

Space Needs 

Graphic 2 

NASF Inventory vs. Need 

At the most basic level, the SUNY Cobleskill campus consists of two distinct 

zones: west and east, or agricultural and non-agricultural, respectively. 

NYS Route 7 highway bisects the campus from north to south, creating a 

physical divide as well as a cultural disconnect. 

The academic zone on the east side of the campus is primarily “nonagricultural” 

and includes instructional and departmental support space 

for the School of Business and the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. 

This prominent zone occupies the entire north end of the campus and 

encompasses Warner-Holmes, the Upper Quad, Wheeler Hall and a 

portion of Bouck Hall. With the exception of Frisbie Hall (located in the 

Upper Quad) and Wheeler Hall, all of the buildings in this zone are in 

need of moderate to high-level renovation. Three residential zones with 

student dormitories also exist on the east side of the campus. 

The academic zone on the west side of the campus is devoted to the 

School of Agriculture. Curtis Mott contains the bulk of Agricultural 

Engineering instruction and support, while the new Center for Agriculture 

and Natural Resources will provide a home for most other agriculturerelated 

instruction and support (including some instructional space from 

the east side of the campus). 

Agricultural fields used for pasture, crops and outdoor laboratory space 

surround the academic zone on the west side of the campus, accounting 

for the majority of the campus land area. 

While the academic portion of the SUNY Cobleskill campus is generally 

walkable in scale, the availability and physical condition of paved walkways 

is inconsistent and often impedes the flow of pedestrian traffic. Much of 

the existing pavement is in poor condition; in some cases, pathways are 

simply lacking—as evidenced by desire paths along the shortest and most 

obvious routes between buildings. 

Overall this analysis showed that, per the FMP recommended guidelines, 

the campus has a modest excess of space (1,086 nasf) in 2013, which 

is reduced through enrollment growth to an excess of 649 nasf in 2023. 

While the overall quantity of space is generally sufficient, the quality, related 

functional adjacencies, and allocation of space must be addressed; some 

functions require additional space while others require less. In order for 

SUNY Cobleskill to realize its goals as an institution, it is important that 

space is distributed appropriately among functions and departments. 

The greatest needs in terms of the amount of needed space include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Athletics and Physical Education 

Library 

General Administration 

Departmental Support 

Assembly and Exhibit 

Classrooms 

Departmental Research Labs 

Data Processing 

It should be noted that, while the analysis indicates a relatively minor 

deficiency in Student / Faculty Activity space, these numbers are somewhat 

inflated by excesses in recreation space and merchandising space (as 

opposed to lounge and meeting space). It is a major conclusion of this 

study that the campus is in need of a suitable center for student life that 

provides lounge and meeting space in addition to other programmatic 

elements. Furthermore, understanding how collaboration is supported 

by student activities space and provision for informal learning areas 

is a major element in how the FMP transforms the campus to support 

contemporary learning processes. 

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November 2011 

Planning Objectives 

Programmatic Design Drivers – Campus-Wide 

Approach to Business 

Four primary planning objectives were identified by the College as part 

of the FMP process: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Support changing pedagogies 

Address cultural divisions between ag and non-ag communities 

Create a safe and secure campus 

Become a part of the Town of Cobleskill community while striving 

to be a good neighbor 

To support changing pedagogies, SUNY Cobleskill builds upon the 

tradition of experiential learning by employing “active learning” techniques 

and maximizing student interaction with faculty and staff. Peer-to-peer 

learning will be promoted through better designed classrooms and 

informal meeting spaces. 

Addressing the cultural divisions on the campus is one of the College’s 

highest priorities. While the physical division of the campus by Route 7 

is not the cause of the disconnect between “ag” and “non-ag” students, 

it certainly reinforces their segregation. It is a theme throughout the 

development of the FMP to minimize the physical and social divide by 

creating more compelling activity centers on both sides of Route 7 to 

encourage “crossing the highway,” while employing strategies to calm 

traffic and improve pedestrian safety at the crossing. 

The College remains committed to creating a safe and secure 

environment. Safety is increased by improving pedestrian pathways and 

crossings throughout the campus—particularly across and along Route 7. 

Landscape initiatives such as better wayfinding and new lighting will also 

help to create a safer campus environment. Safety is also improved by 

providing greater visibility between interior and exterior spaces, serving to 

provide more “eyes on the street” and improve campus vitality. 

Strengthening the relationship between the College and the community 

can be achieved by providing on-campus activities for the broader 

community, as well as creating a better physical connection (particularly for 

pedestrians and cyclists) from the campus to Main Street in Cobleskill. 

Building upon the planning objectives, the FMP develops a series of 

Programmatic Design Drivers or specific and tangible ideas that inform 

facilities planning. These include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Significantly upgrading most campus facility mechanical systems 

Changing facilities to reflect evolving pedagogies 

Defragmenting department locations 

Fostering better socio-spatial relationships across Route 7 

Increasing the amount of natural light in interior environments 

Contemporizing the look and feel of the campus 

Approach to Agriculture & Natural Resources 

Preceding the implementation of FMP initiatives, the School of Agriculture 

& Natural Sciences is receiving significant investment with the construction 

of the new Center for Agriculture & Natural Sciences and the replacement 

of many of the farm and animal facilities on campus. Despite this 

investment, there remain significant needs relative to the Agricultural 

Engineering department, outdoor class lab environments, and field needs 

for livestock and crops. The final FMP addresses these issues by: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Providing a high-level renovation of Curtis Mott plus a new 

addition that includes departmental support, high-bay class lab 

space, equipment storage, and a case-method classroom 

Upgrading and replacing existing farm and animal facilities 

Providing new facilities to support specialized instruction (such as 

the livestock classroom building) 

Allocating resources for additional farmland 

The improvement of the School of Business has been emphasized by 

the College as a high priority. For the purpose of the FMP, the School is 

viewed as three distinct entities: Culinary Arts, Computer Technology, and 

Business & Accounting. 

The Department of Culinary Arts, Hospitality & Tourism has recently 

shifted its focus away from food preparation and toward restaurant and 

hospitality management. It is possible that the Department will also pursue 

a second shift towards localism and farm-to-table food production, 

providing an opportunity to collaborate with the School of Agriculture & 

Natural Resources and be better linked to local economic development 

opportunities. 

Computer Technology expects a considerable decrease in enrollment 

out to 2023. The FMP proposes to relocate Computer Technology 

from Warner-Holmes Hall to the renovated Alumni Hall, creating an 

“Information & Technology Commons” that includes open computer 

labs, C.A.S.E., the Writing Center, and class labs for Faculty & Student 

Technology Development. 

The Department of Business & Accounting is also a high priority for 

the College. The final FMP reinvents Home Economics Hall (the former 

Home Economics building) as the primary “Business” building on the 

campus. The building receives a full interior demolition and fit-out, and is 

repurposed with specialty learning spaces for Business and Ag Business, 

such as case-methods classrooms and simulation labs. Faculty offices 

and collaboration space are also provided. 

Approach to Liberal Arts & Sciences 

A considerable amount of resources has been recently invested in the 

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, including the renovation of Frisbie Hall 

and the expansion of Wheeler Hall. To provide further support for Liberal 

Arts & Sciences, the final FMP proposes strategic upgrades to lecture, 

shared classrooms, and collaborative learning spaces campus-wide. Old 

Gym Hall is renovated and repurposed as the “Art” building on campus, 

with Art, Graphic Design and Landscape studios, collaboration space, 

and supporting faculty offices. 

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FINAL 



November 2011 

Approach to Library, Collaboration, and Food Service 

While the final FMP does not recommend an addition to the Library, it 

does provide more space for the Library by relocating C.A.S.E. and the 

Writing Center from the lower floor of Van Wagenen to Alumni Hall. The 

FMP envisions the library as a knowledge and media resource as well as a 

social hub (secondary to the Student & Community Center). Libraries are 

changing and evolving into multi-media environments, with an increasing 

focus on digital resources as opposed to print resources. Renovations to 

the Van Wagenen Library at SUNY Cobleskill are proposed for the second 

half of this planning cycle. Program and pedagogical change will be 

initiated as part of a future renovation. In addition to a renovation of the 

building, the final FMP proposes to upgrade the landscape and plaza 

area in the immediate vicinity of the Library. 

The primary dining facilities on the campus are currently located in 

Champlin Hall and Prentice Hall. While the College provided positive 

feedback on existing campus Food Service, the FMP relocates one of the 

large dining facilities and provides a new “food court,” style dining hall 

in the Student & Community Center. In addition, three satellite cafes are 

provided across the campus—in Warner-Holmes, Van Wagenen Library, 

and the new Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources [CANR]. Other 

campus zones, such as the Upper Quad, will be provided with vending 

machines and lounge seating. 

To address campus Food Service, the final FMP recommends: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Demolishing Champlin Hall and providing a new food courtstyle 

dining hall (275 seats) in the Student & Community Center 

Locating the main dining hall (400 seats) in Prentice Hall with 

“all-you-care-to-eat” service 

Providing a new intimate dining room (75 seats) in Prentice Hall 

with higher-quality finishes that is also the American Heritage 

dining room / class lab 

Maintain the commissary in Prentice Hall 

Relocate the main CAS offices to Prentice Hall 

Collaboration space is notably lacking on the SUNY Cobleskill campus. 

This type of space includes areas for informal study and conversation that 

are more dynamic than typical study rooms. They may accommodate 

a range of collaborative learning, from casual to semi-formal, and are 

sometimes supported by technology. The FMP proposes to add a significant 

number of Collaboration hubs throughout the campus, particularly in 

academic buildings and the Student & Community Center. 

Approach to Campus Entry Sequence 

The sequence of entry from Route 7 is an important consideration not 

only for functionality but also for the visual impression created by the 

campus. Currently the campus turns its “back side” to Route 7, with the 

“front door” of Knapp Hall facing the interior of the campus. The final 

FMP addresses the challenge of the entry sequence and presence of the 

campus along Route 7 in several ways: 

• 

• 

• 

The Student & Community Center faces Route 7 and is accessible 

from the highway, creating a prominent “front door” to the 

campus 

A new traffic roundabout with landscaping and collegiate signage 

is proposed at the main campus entrance 

A tree buffer is provided along Route 7, creating an attractive 

entry sequence, shielding the campus from the highway and 

drawing attention to the new Student & Community Center 

Approach to Albany Avenue 

Albany Avenue is the loop road that encircles the east side of the campus. 

The FMP proposes several changes to Albany Avenue to improve vehicular 

access and pedestrian safety: 

• 

• 

• 

Reconstruct paving and curbs 

Repair parking surfaces along Albany Avenue 

Reconfigure portions of the road to provide cul-de-sacs at the 

new Student & Community Center and Prentice Hall 

Approach to Parking 

As mentioned previously, the campus does not have a critical need for 

additional parking spaces. There is, however, a need to upgrade or 

repair the surface of several lots and to relocate some parking spaces for 

better functionality. The FMP proposes minor changes to campus parking, 

including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Relocate the lot adjacent to the Arena Center to make room for 

the new covered Arena 

Provide a new parking lot across the road from the Arena Center 

to accommodate trailers and RVs during events 

Expand the F-Lot with additional parking spaces 

Repair and upgrade existing parking lots campus-wide including 

lighting, curbs, paving, drainage, and signage 

Capital Funding 

Over the course of the FMP process, recommendations that further the 

mission and vision of the College have been the focus. The proposed 

initiatives are allocated to three timeframes, the five-year periods of 2013- 

2018, 2018-2023, and 2023-2029. The distribution of projects between 

these timeframes is based on campus input, phasing sequences, and 

estimated project timelines. Costs are assigned to each funding cycle: 

Funding Cycles Project Cost Escalated Cost 

2013-2018 $63,091,155 $110,209,489 

2018-2023 $88,347,249 $185,517,150 

2023-2029 $5,666,500 $14,303,636 

Total $157,104,904 $310,030,275 

Lead-in initiatives, which have already commenced or are projected to 

begin prior to 2013, are included in the project phasing but will not 

impact plans for new capital funding. These initiatives include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Wheeler Hall Addition and Renovation 

2011 Facilities Master Plan [FMP] 

Campus-wide Academic Study 

Knapp Plaza 

Center for Agriculture & Natural Sciences [CANR] 

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November 2011 

Closing 

SUNY Cobleskill is a unique institution within the SUNY system. The 

College is one of the oldest agricultural schools of its kind in New York, 

and is one of a handful of remaining state agriculture and technology 

colleges in the State. It is the goal of the FMP to provide a plan for campus 

facilities that addresses the planning objectives identified by the College 

and promotes the mission and vision established in SUNY Cobleskill’s 

Second Century Enterprise Strategic Plan. 

While the FMP addresses a wide range of issues, the three biggest moves 

include: 

• 

• 

• 

Providing a Student & Community Center building to support 

student and community activities 

Renovating and providing an addition to Prentice Hall to support 

a consolidated Culinary Arts program 

Creating a new Lower Quad to provide a sense of order for the 

west side of campus 

Other initiatives focus on improvements at a departmental level, such 

as creating a “home” for Business in Home Economics Hall and reenvisioning 

Old Gym Hall as the Campus’s “creative arts” building. As 

part of the FMP, Alumni Hall receives a renovation and addition to become 

an “Information and Technology Commons,” providing a technology hub 

adjacent to Van Wagenen Library. 

On the more general end of the spectrum, an overarching aim of the FMP 

is to provide space for informal learning throughout the campus. This 

includes indoor and outdoor space, and is achieved through initiatives such 

as landscaping to create outdoor “laboratories,” providing collaboration 

spaces adjacent to classrooms and labs, and incorporating opportunities 

for spontaneous conversation into the design of academic buildings (nonparallel 

corridors, etc.). 

It is the aim of the FMP to support continued excellence at SUNY Cobleskill 

as it makes the transition to a primarily four-year baccalaureate institution 

and builds upon the College’s tradition of experiential, career-oriented 

learning. 

800,000 nasf 

700,000 nasf 

600,000 nasf 

577,322 nasf 

500,000 nasf 

400,000 nasf 

300,000 nasf 

200,000 nasf 

114,271 nasf 

100,000 nasf 

58,299 nasf 

Wheeler addition opens 

Various farm bldgs demolished 

231 nasf/FTE 

220 nasf/FTE 

209 nasf/FTE 

578,408 nasf 

547,846 nasf 

479,538 nasf 

231 nasf/FTE 

220 nasf/FTE 

225 nasf/FTE 

2,505 FTE 

2,494 FTE 

2,484 FTE 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

2028 

2029 

2030 

578,408 nasf 

547,846 nasf 

559,896 nasf 

199 nasf/FTE 

451,984 nasf 

215 nasf/FTE 

2,474 FTE 

532,342 nasf 

Wheeler reopens 

221 nasf/FTE 

550,842 nasf 

221 nasf/FTE 

2,496 FTE 

550,842 nasf 

CANR opens 


565,921 nasf 

235 nasf/FTE 

574,301 nasf 

243 nasf/FTE 

2,518 FTE 

113,812 nasf 

592,601 nasf 

227 nasf/FTE 

546,204 nasf 

239 nasf/FTE 

2,539 FTE 

576,492 nasf 

227 nasf/FTE 

553,246 nasf 

238 nasf/FTE 

2,561 FTE 

580,763 nasf 

Old Gym reopens 

Classroom upgrade complete 

Equestrian expansion complete 

232 nasf/FTE 

580,763 nasf 

240 nasf/FTE 

2,582 FTE 

599,656 nasf 

Coll Com Ctr opens 

Mackey reopens 

577,767 nasf 

247 nasf/FTE 

637,105 nasf 

249 nasf/FTE 

2,603 FTE 

642,775 nasf 

245 nasf/FTE 

637,105 nasf 

247 nasf/FTE 

2,624 FTE 

118,336 nasf 

642,775 nasf 

648,445 nasf 2,645 FTE 245 nasf/FTE 648,445 nasf 245 nasf/FTE 

227 nasf/FTE 

561,745 nasf 

243 nasf/FTE 

2,665 FTE 

605,095 nasf 

221 nasf/FTE 

541,161 nasf 

241 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

594,803 nasf 

Alumni reopens 

Prentice and addition open 

223 nasf/FTE 

523,946 nasf 

251 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

598,682 nasf 

Curtis-Mott reopens 

588,417 nasf 

227 nasf/FTE 

547,856 nasf 

250 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

122,306 nasf 

610,185 nasf 

Champlin demolished 

211 nasf/FTE 

498,936 nasf 

236 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

566,265 nasf 

219 nasf/FTE 

Van Wagenen reopens 

237 nasf/FTE 

546,765 nasf 

635,339 nasf 

235 nasf/FTE 

237 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

2,686 FTE 

588,802 nasf 

635,339 nasf 



NASF 

NASF/FTE (adjusted for renovations) 

(adjusted for renovations) NASF Built or Renovated since 2000 

FTE NASF/FTE 

Total NASF Need 

Instructional NASF Need 

NASF 

(not adjusted for 

renovations) 

Graphic 3 

NASF Year by Year 

11

ACAMPUS STRATEGIC PLAN 

A – CAMPUS STRATEGIC PLAN 

ASSESSMENT OF 2006 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 

Certain issues addressed in the 2006 Memorandum of Understanding 

[MOU] are relevant to the Facilities Master Plan [FMP] process. Although 

the time frame of the 2006 MOU extends only to 2010, a number of the 

goals and commitments identified in the Memorandum have impacted 

and still guide the College’s current direction. Enrollment and academic 

program directions are of particular significance to the FMP process as 

they have a direct impact on the type and amount of space needed by 

the College. 

The 2006 MOU noted a gradual but constant increase in enrollment since 

its low-point of 2,175 headcount students in the fall of 1997. This increase 

was attributed to increased enrollment in Baccalaureate programs (113%), 

while enrollment in Associate degree programs remained steady. At this 

time the College projected very moderate enrollment growth in hopes to 

increase the selectivity of its incoming students. To support its transition to a 

predominately Baccalaureate institution, the College noted commitments 

to see half of its students enrolled in Baccalaureate programs by 2010; 

to increase the number of transfer students in four-year programs; and to 

raise admissions requirements (therefore decreasing first-time, full-time 

enrollment). 

Academic program directions are also addressed in the 2006 MOU, the 

primary focus being the aforementioned shift from a two-year college to 

a four-year institution with focus on Baccalaureate program offerings. 

Today, SUNY Cobleskill is well on the way to realizing this goal. Certificate 

programs have been phased out, and Associate degree program 

offerings are gradually being reduced. By 2023, the College expects 

Associate degree programs to constitute only 32% of its total enrollment, 

reduced from 87% in the fall of 2005. As of 2010, the College offered 

19 Baccalaureate degree programs and 21 Associate degree programs, 

several of which are accredited through specialized agencies. With very 

conservative enrollment growth expected over the next decade, SUNY 

Cobleskill remains focused on providing the highest quality education to 

a diverse range of students at a reasonable price. 

SUMMARY AND REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLAN 

As described in the Phase 2 report of the FMP, SUNY Cobleskill initiated a 

strategic planning process to address a number of significant challenges 

and guide the future growth of the College. The major challenges are 

divided into six groups: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Revenue Adequacy 

Costs of Providing Adequate Service and Equipment 

Market Viability of Academic Programs 

Investment in Human Capital 

Investment in Physical Capital 

Quality of Student Experiences 

The first phase of planning resulted in a strategic plan for 2004-2011 

defining the mission and vision of SUNY Cobleskill. This was followed 

by a second phase of planning for 2011-2016, The Second Century 

Enterprise, outlining strategic goals for the College and redefining its 

vision and mission. 

SUNY Cobleskill’s vision can be simply summarized as “real life: real 

learning.” This refers to the College’s continued tradition of hands-on 

learning and real-world experience. Particularly in today’s economic 

environment, it is critical that new graduates enter into the job market 

with applicable skills and experience. In this vein, SUNY Cobleskill is 

committed to providing “transformative experiences that are engaged, 

dynamic and uncommon.” 

It is the mission of SUNY Cobleskill to provide students with a highquality 

educational experience for an affordable price. This includes the 

opportunity for internship and field experience both on the campus and 

in the larger community. As stated in The Second Century Enterprise, 

the College is dedicated to “helping students to achieve their personal 

and professional goals and to develop their full potential within a global 

society.” 

Objectives related to eight themes are identified in The Second Century 

Enterprise. These areas of focus include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Student Success 

Community Partnerships 

Cultural Competence 

Effective Scholarship 

Economic and Environmental Sustainability 

Managed Enrollment 

National Recognition 

Solid and Diversified Financial Base 

It is important to note the connection between The Second Century 

Enterprise and the strategic plan of the State University of New York 

[SUNY], The Power of SUNY. While SUNY Cobleskill maintains a unique 

identity among other colleges in the system, it is with a conscious effort 

to advance the overall mission of SUNY. The goals and aspirations of 

SUNY Cobleskill are in line with the six “big ideas” identified by the State 

University of New York in The Power of SUNY: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

SUNY and the Entrepreneurial Century 

SUNY and the Seamless Education Pipeline 

SUNY and a Healthier New York 

SUNY and an Energy-Smart New York 

SUNY and the Vibrant Community 

SUNY and the World 

Moving toward 2023, the College will continue its transition to a 

Baccalaureate institution with a targeted selection of technical and 

Associate degree programs and a master’s degree in Agribusiness. 

Experiential and applied education is an important focus for the College, 

with an emphasis on equipping students with the practical skills necessary 

to achieve their professional goals. SUNY Cobleskill’s students will receive 

a well-rounded education with an emphasis on technological literacy and 

a solid Liberal Arts foundation. 

12


November 2011 

CAMPUS STRATEGIC PLANA 

IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN 

SUNY Cobleskill Mascot 

The Second Century Enterprise and the Facilities Master Plan come at an 

uncertain time given the current economic climate of New York State and 

the nation. Although conditions have stabilized, state funding of higher 

education continues to be scaled back, resulting in a greater reliance on 

student tuition and fees to support the College’s operations. 

As SUNY Cobleskill focuses on improving the quality of its services and 

the caliber of its students—rather than the quantity of growth—one of 

the most important considerations is the market viability of academic 

programs. It is critical that the College’s academic offerings respond to 

current and future labor market opportunities. In addition to establishing an 

appropriate variety of academic programs, the College must also ensure 

that the educational experience it offers is consistent with professional best 

practices. To this end, the College will undertake a 2011-2012 Academic 

Review to assess the viability of its course offerings. 

Investment in physical capital is a critical challenge identified in The 

Second Century Enterprise that is directly related to the FMP. While there 

have been recent improvements to the SUNY Cobleskill campus, including 

the renovation of Frisbie Hall, the addition to Wheeler Hall, the design 

of the new Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources [CANR], and 

the construction of the Center for Environmental Science and Technology 

[CEST], among others, a significant need remains for physical investment. 

Most importantly, the campus lacks a centralized location with amenities 

for students that fulfills the role of a Student & Community Center. This 

is the highest priority for the campus and the need for such a facility is 

emphasized in the FMP. 

As noted in The Second Century Enterprise, any investments in physical 

capital must be approached in a manner that is consistent with the College’s 

goals of energy efficiency and cost reduction. It is also imperative that 

physical investments are carefully considered and purposefully executed 

support the mission and goals of SUNY Cobleskill. 

13

BENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS 


November 2011 

B – ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS 

STUDENT ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS 

ASSESSMENT OF PROJECTIONS 

Graphic B1 

Student, Faculty & Staff 

Projections 





FTE 

3,000 

Student 2,500FTE Projected by FMP 

2,000 

1,500 

1,000 

500 





121 FTE Faculty (Actual) 2,575 FTE (Proj. by SUNY IR) 2009 is the base year of the FMP 

286 FTE Staff 














SUNY Cobleskill Institutional Research [IR] is projecting 7% FTE enrollment 

growth through the next planning period, with 2,686 FTE students in 2023. 

At a departmental level, the greatest enrollment increase (38%) is expected 

for the School of Agriculture & Natural Resources. This is partly attributed 

to the addition of the new Alternative Energy program, but significant 

growth is also projected for Agricultural Business (51%) and Animal Science 

(41%). Enrollment for the School of Business is projected to increase 5% 

from 2009 to 2023, driven by growth in Business & Administration (24%) 

and Culinary Arts (14%). Computer Technology, however, is expected to 

decrease in enrollment by 42%. The School of Liberal Arts & Sciences 

expects a marginal decline, with enrollment for Mathematics and Natural 

Sciences decreasing by 41% and 24% respectively. However, increased 

enrollment is projected for Early Childhood (20%), Sport, Movement and 

Exercise (20%) and Social Sciences (12%). Enrollment for Humanities/ 

Communications/Graphic Design is projected to remain stable out to 

2023. 

FACULTY & STAFF PROJECTIONS 

Faculty projections were based on overall FTE student to FTE faculty 

ratios of 19 to 1—a slight decrease in the 2009 ratio of 21%. FTE faculty 

were then allocated to departments based on student to faculty ratios 

appropriate for the particular disciplines. 

The addition of a master’s program, as well as continued growth in 

research and sponsored programs, especially in Agriculture, can be 

expected to result in slightly more needed faculty. In addition, the College’s 

continued emphasis on experiential learning can be expected to decrease 

the student faculty ratio slightly. 

Staff projections were based on FTE staff to FTE faculty ratios of 2.37, 

consistent with the 2009 ratio and resulting in an overall FTE staff increase 

of 17%. Above average increases in staff were allocated for the support of 

class and open labs, technology, student life, and facilities support. 

It is the view of the FMP consultant team that these projections are 

realistic, achievable and strategically positioned. This is based upon 

several factors: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Cobleskill IR is projecting very modest growth out to 2023 

These enrollment projections dip in 2013 to reflect the middecade 

decline in state-wide graduation rates 

Part of this enrollment projection includes the continuing 

transition of programs from 2-year to 4-year, which will decrease 

recruitment pressures 

Academic departments projected for growth generally capitalize 

on Cobleskill’s strengths in agriculture and related programs 

Challenges the College will face include increased competition for 

students from the Downstate region, one of the few areas of the state 

that will not experience as significant a decline in high school graduation 

rates as western and central New York. Additional challenges will include 

uncertain operating and capital investment funding from the State and 

competition from other SUNY colleges with similar programs in the 

region. 

0 

2008 

2013 

2018 

2023 

Curent 2008-2013 SUCF funding cycle 

YEAR 

14


November 2011 

CAMPUS PLANNING 

C 

C – CAMPUS PLANNING 

Academic facilities and instructional spaces at SUNY Cobleskill must 

be realigned and optimized to meet the needs of current and future 

educational environments. However, the definition of instructional space 

has become more fluid in recent years. One of the clearest shifts in 

higher education campus planning is the move away from the notion 

that learning only happens within typical instructional spaces—in fact, 

learning happens everywhere. The most successful, and indeed the most 

competitive higher education environments are those that view all college 

space as a spectrum of learning environments. 

This paradigm shift is rooted in major changes in American and Western 

society that include the: 

• 

• 

• 

Flattening of social hierarchies 

Increase of informal interactions 

Move away from rigid 9-5 work-day schedules 

Understanding how any campus needs to physically adapt means facilities 

planning needs to shift just as dramatically. This has been challenging for 

any public institution, but particularly so for Cobleskill where almost all of 

the campus is more than 40 years old and State funding has been harder 

to come by with every year. Institutionally the College has done a solid job 

in adapting to these changes; it is time for the facilities to catch up. 

UNDERSTANDING THE LEARNING SPECTRUM 

The expectation of students now—and of the entire working-age population 

by 2023—is that learning and working can and will happen anywhere at 

any time, on demand. Facilities that do not support this expectation will not 

be able to compete. The spirit of the learning spectrum and the breadth 

of SUNY’s mission are at the core of “The Power of SUNY: Strategic Plan 

2010 & Beyond” and its “Six Big Ideas”: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

SUNY and the Entrepreneurial Century 

SUNY and the Seamless Education Pipeline 

SUNY and a Healthier New York 

SUNY and an Energy-Smart New York 

SUNY and the Vibrant Community 

SUNY and the World 

Strategies on how Cobleskill’s facilities meet the needs identified in the 

College’s mission and the System’s state-wide goals inform the FMP’s 

holistic approach to campus facilities. At the core of this approach is the 

intentional blurring of social boundaries to align with current pedagogies, 

highlight the importance of experience-based learning, contemporize 

space requirements, and structure opportunities for continuous learning. 

This section outlines: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The broad ranges of these space types 

Where current thinking is in 2010 

Where facilities might be in 2023 

The Facilities Master Plan Policy Positions for these space types 

Key to this is the understanding of traditional or “scheduled instructional 

environments” and their relationship to “informal instructional 

environments” such as library, food service, and campus open space 

environments. 

• 

• 

• 

Scheduled instructional environments: 

• Classrooms 

• Class labs 

• Lecture halls (traditional and case-methods) 

Informal instructional environments: 

• Libraries and learning commons 

• Food service and amenity areas 

• Connective areas 

• Open space and landscape 

• Residential environments 

• Office space (administrative and departmental) 

Health, wellness, and athletic spaces 

The informal instructional environment category is the most challenging of 

these. It pushes the definition of what learning is, broadens the recognition 

of where and how learning happens, and requires a rebalancing between 

such formal and informal learning environments. 

Scheduled Instructional Environments 

The impacts of this shift are most dramatic in instruction delivery which, 

due to its nature and context, a significant amount of study has been 

devoted. 

At its most simplified and tangible, instruction delivery methods have 

shifted away from rote learning toward project-based and team-based 

problem solving. This pedagogy is supported with a dramatic increase in 

curriculum-specific class lab environments—and such shifts in pedagogy 

underpin the adjustments to the College’s space needs as defined in 

Phase 3. Facilities have responded with smaller classrooms, furnishings 

that support peer-to-peer learning, and break-out rooms. Technology is 

fully integrated and multi-media capabilities are everywhere. Class time 

has become more flexible and have a greater focus on study that takes 

place outside of the classroom. Faculty is now expected to be available 

24-hours a day via e-mail, instant message, web-chat, social networking 

sites, etc. The idea of “office hours” is antiquated and facilities need to 

catch up. 

The FMP builds upon these trends by realigning direct instructional space 

towards: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

More seminar-style classrooms 

More class labs across a wide array of departments and 

programs 

Greater transparency between spaces for increased visual 

communication to increase the sense of connectedness 

Greater deployment of case-method lecture classrooms for 

undergraduate instruction 

Additionally, the FMP recommends the right-sizing of general classrooms 

and lecture halls. This entails shifting classrooms toward larger station sizes 

with few stations per classroom. Such an effort would also boost overall 

classroom utilization rates. During the course of the FMP, the College did 

not arrive on a clear policy position regarding right-sizing classrooms. As 

such the FMP makes no recommendations beyond a generic distribution 

of classrooms as found in the Phase 3 report and repeated in this section. 

Additionally, classroom right-sizing is subject to many variables (such 

Typical Learning Studio 

(the traditional classroom 

is transformed with glazing 

to interior and exterior 

environments, more flexible 

furnishing that support projectbased 

learning, and extensive 

multi-media support) 

15

C 

CAMPUS 

PLANNING 


November 2011 

as financial, enrollment, and faculty number concerns that can vary 

significantly from year to year) and are fraught with challenges when 

applied across a multi-building campus study. As such the following table 

provides a goal that can be met in many different ways, through physical 

adjustment, changed furnishings, and operational measures. The easiest 

possibility is simply removing desks from a classroom to provide larger 

station sizes and fewer stations. Vigilance is required of the Fund and the 

College on an initiative-by-initiative basis to meet right-sizing goals. 

Table C1 

Existing 

Right Sized 

Capacity # Rooms # Seats # Rooms # Seats 

≤ 20 1 19 7 138 

≤ 30 8 229 10 245 

≤ 40 10 372 4 125 

≤ 50 4 192 2 86 

≤ 60 3 175 2 113 

≤ 70 0 0 1 70 

≤ 100 0 0 2 156 

≤ 150 2 227 0 0 

Avg SUR 

% 80% 

Standard 

28 1,214 28 933 

72% Avg SUR 

% 80% 

Standard 

88% 

Informal Instructional Environments – Libraries & Learning Commons 

The aforementioned paradigm shift has impacted libraries as much as 

the Internet, but it poses a question: Do libraries simply physically shrink 

in response to digitization, or do they shift their mission toward teaching 

media literacy and finding new entrepreneurial ways of attracting and 

empowering students and communities? 

Van Wagenen Library has been successful in incorporating several limited 

informal learning environments and a variety of individual and group 

seating arrangements, all of which are utilized by students. Both the 

electronic and print collections have been continually renewed to ensure 

that resources are relevant and up-to-date, and antiquated technology, 

such as microfiche readers, are being removed. Yet Van Wagenen has not 

fully taken advantage of the transition to a Learning Commons. Recent 

investments in the Library facility have primed the College to make this 

leap. 

Additionally, the Phase 3 report identified a significant deficiency of space 

associated with the Library. Little space remains in the current Library 

facility and program will need to be both relocated and the model of a 

distributed library and learning commons pursued. 

Informal Instructional Environments – Food Service & Activities Areas 

Less tangibly, food service and circulation environments are changing 

just as much as Library space, though their direction and clear built 

precedents remain a rapidly evolving target. The varied Campus Auxiliary 

Services and Association across the State (in conjunction with SUCF) have 

done an excellent job in refreshing food service venues across the system, 

but SUNY Cobleskill has yet to significantly benefit from this trend. While 

students report a high degree of satisfaction with food options on campus, 

the trend toward branded and contemporized venues is difficult to avoid. 

Contemporization provides the College with the opportunity to make the 

link between learning, food, and socializing more explicit. 

Understanding the degree to which food, socializing, and learning 

are interrelated changes the expectations of such spaces. By aligning 

spaces with those expectations, food becomes a natural focal point and 

supporting element in group learning. An obvious and much-repeated 

model is that of the big-box book retailers and their in-house cafes. 

The “study commons” combined with food service is natural, though it 

does lead to operating questions such as concerns of mixing food with 

expensive computers, as well as how the space is staffed and by whom. 

The FMP recommends food service needs be met with refreshed food 

service options that move toward the integration of “study commons” with 

enhanced dining venues that offer traditional light café fare, premium 

coffee choices, and a sit-down venues that offer diverse cuisine choices. 

Informal Instructional Environments – Connective Spaces 

The expectation of connective spaces, typified by circulation space, has 

also undergone a significant shift. Higher education facility planning 

now seeks to foster and harness the power of chance encounters and 

conversations—and no space better supports spontaneous collaboration 

than connecting space. Corridors and stairs are no longer simply to 

move people and goods from one point to another, but are actively 

part of the learning spectrum. Conversations that start in the classroom 

should continue into the hallway, and that hallway should be designed to 

encourage conversation as opposed to yielding to an over-bearing need 

for space efficiency. 

The FMP recommends that campus-wide educational and activities 

programming examine opportunities to maximize connective spaces. 

Examples include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Non-parallel walls to encourage conversations that do not block 

movement 

Convenience seating at intersections, particularly immediately 

outside general classrooms 

Extensive glazing and borrowed light to increase visual connection 

between programmed space and circulation 

Convenience (non-egress) stairs 

Informal Instructional Environments – Open Space & Landscape 

Similar to interior connective spaces, campus open space is also an 

informal instruction environment. While outdoor classes are a nice 

option, and some softscape and hardscape space should be provided 

for them, they are not expected to be more than a nuance that happens 

during particular nice autumn and spring days. There are many ways, 

however, that open space can function as informal instructional space 

—particularly when it is coordinated with interior environments and 

academic curriculum. 

The FMP recommends the coordination of campus landscape to 

provide: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Expanded individual and group study spaces such as small 

seating groups 

Outdoor instructional space (coordinated with indoor 

programming if possible) 

Outdoor seating connected to study commons 

The strengthening of pedestrian routes to increase chance 

encounters 

Provisions for conversation spots along pedestrian routes 

Planting and landscape as an instructional tool, with particular 

regard to native vegetation and sustainable maintenance and 

operations 

Informal Instructional Environments – Residential Environments 

The expectations of College residential facilities have gone significant 

changes over the last few decades, having gone from mid-century 

cellular communal housing to full-service suite environments, and back to 

communal housing again. Much of this shifting was and still is influenced 

16


November 2011 

CAMPUS PLANNING 

C 

by competitiveness in the dormitory housing market, but the shift back to 

mid-century practices is driven by the need to teach students to socialize 

with each other, to co-mingle with more than their suite-mates and to 

facilitate group learning. 

While residential environments are not in the scope of this FMP, it is 

recommended that the College maintain a balance of where individual 

and group study happens. There are advantages to providing a certain 

amount of group study space within individual suites and commonly 

throughout dorms, but it is difficult to provide the same level of service 

and support that can be provided in larger and more serviceable “study 

commons” or collaborative learning environments. 

As such, it is not recommended that media-enriched study space be 

provided in residential environments beyond what students provide for 

themselves. Dorms should be the province of one-on-one and individual 

study. 

Additionally, Cobleskill has an intriguing mix of co-mingled academic 

and residential facilities in the campus core. Consideration should be 

given to how this compliements and activates the academic core, and 

should be reinforced. Housing not located within walking distance of the 

academic core often detracts from the institutional success of a residential 

college. 

Informal Instructional Environments – Office Space (Administrative 

and Departmental) 

The corporate workplace has been responding far more aggressively 

than the nation’s institutions of higher education to many of the trends 

discussed in this section. This is evidenced in the disappearance of private 

offices, the spread of open offices and various ways in which facilities 

have responded to group and individual needs. The principal drivers of 

the open office have been manifold, but are mainly cost, egalitarianism, 

and a desire to promote communication and collaboration. With over 

20 years of experience, the modern open office has proven an effective 

strategy. 

• 

• 

contemplation and focused work, as well as private meetings and 

tutoring of students) with the understanding that faculty are often 

engaged in forms of study that would benefit from increased 

communication and visibility 

Improved efficiencies in shared office resources (i.e. copy, 

conference and multi-media support), including open workstation 

hoteling for adjunct faculty 

Collaborative space can double as student-faculty meeting areas, 

seminar space, faculty meeting space, etc. Their co-location can 

enhance student faculty interaction 

Health, Wellness & Athletic Space 

Health, wellness, and athletic space meet critical needs such as: 

• 

• 

• 

Helping teenagers transition to adulthood by preparing students 

(particularly undergraduates) to make healthy life choices. 

Undergraduate-focused institutions such as Cobleskill have had 

to pay more attention to the deficiencies of secondary education, 

whether in reading, writing and arithmetic, or life skills 

Teaching team-work; there are significant parallels between 

team-based project-based learning and intercollegiate and 

intramural sports 

Taking a holistic view of what and how a student learns; 

undergraduate students attend college for more reasons than 

simply getting a college degree 

Both public and private universities across the country have made major 

investments in such spaces; high-profile health and recreation projects, 

such as those at SUNY Oswego or the University of Cincinnati, are now 

the expectation. Anything else is increasingly a glaring exception as 

colleges compete for the decreasing number of high school graduates 

across New York State. Such spaces are also major community amenities 

and help to foster strong relationships between an institution and the 

broader public. 

Graphic C1 

Case-Method Lecture Hall 

(ideal seating of 60-75, with 

steep floor rake, centrally located 

speaker’s well, entry behind the 

seating, access to natural light 

for visual relief and a curved 

learning wall; focus of room 

design is on human interaction 

and peer-to-peer conversation 

with discreet lectern, and in 

select situations the learning wall 

can be a retractable screen with 

large glazed wall beyond) 

Graphic C2 


(the steep floor rake allows the 

room to feel intimate when 

used for smaller class sizes and 

seminars, thereby improving 

utility) 

Graphic C3 


(the two inner rows are at floor 

level with a wider second-row 

desk, allowing for small-group 

interaction; additionally, optional 

break-out space is provided at 

the top rear of the room) 

These lessons can inform office space in higher education environments 

in several ways: 

• 

While private faculty offices will not be eliminated in the 

foreseeable future, their importance can be overstated; it is 

desirable to balance the virtues of the private office (solitude for 

17

C 

CAMPUS 

PLANNING 


November 2011 

Graphic C4 

Instructional Spaces Provided 

by Cobleskill’s Facilities in 2009 

(in yellow - existing facilities 

support rote learning, are 

static and inhibit contemporary 

instruction delivery methods) 

Graphic C5 

Instructional Spaces 

Provided per FMP 

(in yellow - facilities realigned to 

support group and project-based 

learning 

18 

OPTIMIZE RESOURCES 

Utilize Unassigned Space After On-Going New Construction is 

Complete 

Upcoming unassigned space on campus includes space in Home 

Economics Hall and Old Gym Hall, which will be vacated upon the 

completion of the Center for Agriculture & Natural Resources. Additional 

unassigned space also exists in Ryder Hall and Frisbie Hall. 

Existing unassigned space presents opportunities for: 

• 

• 

• 

Surge space 

Ability to cost-effectively realign programs and their locations on 

campus 

Possible alternate uses of buildings 

Align Direct Instructional Environments with Contemporary Instruction 

Delivery Methods 

Per the Phase 3 Report, despite having an adequate number of aggregate 

classroom and lecture seats, the arrangement of those seats does not 

support modern instruction delivery. There are far too many sections in 

large classrooms that are oversized, and too small seminar rooms that 

are oversubscribed. Furthermore, when large classroom spaces and 

seminar rooms are provided at an adequate size, the design of the room 

often does not support effective peer-to-peer learning. Opportunities 

to integrate tight c-shape seating configurations in both large seminar 

and case-method lecture spaces (and with attendant break-out spaces) 

would best align general instruction spaces with contemporary trends. 

Such spaces are no longer reserved for graduate education and can have 

significant impact on learning outcomes at the undergraduate level. 

Additionally, the mix between traditional classroom and lecture spaces 

relative to class laboratories does not conform to contemporary needs. 

Increasingly, class lab spaces are being employed for disciplines as 

diverse as writing and math, in addition to the more traditional art and 

science class labs. 

The implication of this is that much of the College’s instruction space 

—whether general instruction or class labs—needs to be renovated to 

reflect smaller general classrooms and more class labs (both shared and 

department-specific). 

Reduce Fragmentation 

Another aspect of space optimization that is particularly relevant given the 

small size of many of Cobleskill’s buildings is that many departments are 

spread across several buildings, or siloed in one small building. This is 

inefficient and undermines effective communication and collaboration. 

Integrate In-Direct and Collaborative Instructional Environments 

In addition to changes that have impacted classroom and class lab 

instruction spaces, how space supports learning outside the classroom 

is viewed very differently today. College buildings are no longer strictly 

understood as instruction and non-instruction spaces, but rather as 

spectrums of space that support a wide range of learning methods, direct 

and indirect instruction, and group learning. The growth in peer-to-peer 

project based learning not only impacts the classroom, it also means 

that Cobleskill must provide a wealth of new space for collaboration and 

group study. These spaces need to be as diverse as how students learn, 

and the expectation of today’s and tomorrow’s student is that these spaces 

are comfortable, often social, supportive of all manners of technology, 

sometimes loud and sometimes quiet, and always available on-demand. 

These spaces are loosely called learning commons or collaborative 

learning spaces, and can be categorized as one of three types: 

Type 1 – Casual Learning (typically 5 to 30 minutes) 

• 

• 

• 

Located along major circulation routes, often at hubs and vertical 

connections Access to direct natural light is essential 

Different types of on-demand seating 

• Long bar-style counters 

• Semi-soft seating 

Diverse seating styles in close proximity to each other 

• Some seats are more private and allow for nesting 

• Other seats are socially kinetic and highly visible 

• Focused on how individual scaling to duo/trio learning 

Type 2 – Small Group Casual Learning (typically 15 to 90 minutes) 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Proximity to concentrations of general classrooms is important, 

along major circulation routes and waiting areas 

Access to borrowed natural light is essential 

Furnishing focused on group activity 

• Mixture of semi-soft and task furnishing 

Three walls, but not enclosed 

Not media-enriched


November 2011 

D 

SPACE NEEDS 

D – SPACE NEEDS 

Type 3 – Small Group Semi-formal Learning (typically 30 to 180 

minutes) 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Located near Type 1 collaboration space 

Can also supplement class lab environments and faculty office 

clusters; can double as small seminar space 

Access to borrowed natural light is helpful, but needs to be visible 

from circulation routes 

Mainly task furnishings 

Three walls and can be enclosed by sliding panel if desired 

Supports in-person or remote faculty instruction 

Media-enriched 

SPACE NEEDS BY FUNCTION 

Overall this analysis showed that, under the FMP recommended guidelines, 

the campus has a modest excess of space (1,086 nasf) in 2013, which 

is reduced to an overall excess of 649 nasf in 2023. While the overall 

quantity of space is assessed to be generally sufficient, the allocation of 

space must be addressed; some functions require additional space while 

others require less. In order for SUNY Cobleskill to realize its goals as an 

institution, it is important that space is distributed appropriately among 

functions and departments. 

The greatest needs in terms of the amount of needed space are: 

Space Needs by School 

School of Agriculture & Natural Resources 

The School of Agriculture & Natural Resources currently has a total inventory 

of 219,777 nasf. Even with the addition of the Center for Agriculture 

& Natural Resources [CANR] building, and despite various building 

demolitions, the recommended guidelines suggest that an additional 1,730 

nasf in class labs will be needed by 2023 to accommodate the further 

development of the Alternative Energy program. Additional space will be 

needed to support departmental offices across the School, particularly for 

Agricultural Business, Agricultural Engineering, and Animal Science. 

As evidenced in the Phase 3 report, much of this need is captured as 

growth in different types of library space. Yet Van Wagenen Library is 

already at its programming capacity meaning that space needs to either 

be freed up in the Library building, spread across other buildings, that 

a distributed learning commons should be employed and/or that the 

Library needs to be physically expanded. 

Optimize Collections 

Another aspect of the Library need per the Phase 3 report is how to 

identify and meet the needs of the College’s physical collection regardless 

of size. Even if the Library’s collection were to notably decrease, there 

would remain competition for Van Wagenen’s limited area. This lack of 

space results in inadequate station sizing (such as study carrels that do 

not easily support mobile computing), insufficient group study spaces, 

lack of presentation rooms, and possible security and ADA compliance 

challenges. Understanding whether or how such needs can be met impacts 

the ability of the Library to transition towards a learning commons. 

Maximize Funding Resources 

With such a pressing need to conduct campus wide renovations to utilize 

and align space, maintenance and capital resources must be used 

judiciously and with the aim to accomplish multiple goals with the same 

dollar. While there are many competing needs at SUNY Cobleskill, the 

comprehensive renovation of almost all of the College’s instruction space 

is the most pressing need. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Athletics and Physical Education 

Library 

General Administration 

Departmental Support 

Assembly and Exhibit 

Classrooms 

Departmental Research Labs 

Data Processing 

It should be noted that, while the analysis indicates a relatively minor 

deficiency in Student / Faculty Activity space, these numbers are somewhat 

inflated by excesses in recreation space and merchandising space (as 

opposed to lounge and meeting space). It is a major conclusion of this 

study that the campus is in need of a suitable center for student life that 

provides lounge and meeting space in addition to other programmatic 

elements. 

The remaining space use categories suggest an overall sufficiency of 

space. The campus will also have 19,192 nasf of unassigned space 

available to apply to these projected deficiencies. 

SPACE NEEDS BY DEPARTMENT 

According to the 2010 recommended guidelines, the departments of 

Academic Affairs, Collegiate Life, and Executive Vice President do not 

have sufficient space for their existing programs. By 2023, the needs of 

these divisions will increase. 

School of Business 

The School of Business has a current inventory of 17,541 nasf. Both 

Business & Accounting and Culinary Arts are projecting increases in 

FTE enrollment (24% and 14%, respectively). A considerable decrease 

of 42% is anticipated in the Computer Technology program. The 

recommended guidelines indicate that by 2023 an additional 3,330 nasf 

will be necessary to accommodate Culinary Arts. Projected space needs 

for Business & Accounting show an overall deficiency of 3,410 nasf in 

2023, attributed to class labs, research labs and departmental support. 

Computer Technology space projections indicate a need for class and 

open labs (1,771 nasf) and departmental research (119 nasf) in 2023. 

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences 

The School of Liberal Arts & Sciences has a current inventory of 37,800 

nasf. The recommended guidelines indicate that Natural Sciences will 

have an excess of 11,037 nasf in class and open labs, while Humanities/ 

Communications/Graphic Design will need an additional 6,467 nasf by 

2023 to right-size labs and transition writing instruction to meet national 

best practices. Social Sciences will need an additional 2,365 nasf in class 

and open labs to meet the projected 12% enrollment growth. Schoolwide 

efficiencies exist in research space, with a projected total need of 

2,464 nasf in 2023. The most crucial space need is for departmental 

support—particularly for Humanities/Communications/Graphic Design, 

Social Science, Mathematics, and Early Childhood. 

19

DSPACE NEEDS 


November 2011 

Graphic D1 

NASF Need by Function 

Classroom / Lecture 

Laboratory 

Special Use 

Research 

Departmental 

Support 

Library 

Administration 

Activity 

Assembly / 

Exhibition 

Central Service 

General Building 

Services 

Medical 

Residential 

(not in scope of FMP) 

Unassigned / 

Inactive 

2009 Exst 

25,582 nasf 

2009 Need 

28,487 nasf 

2023 Need 

28,580 nasf 

2009 Exst 

96,431 nasf 

2009 Need 

85,784 nasf 

2023 Need 

93,726 nasf 

9,416 nasf (2009 Exst) 

10,092 nasf (2009 Need) 

10,969 (2023 Need) 

2009 Exst 

25,184 nasf 

25,344 nasf (2009 Need) 

29,972 nasf (2023 Need) 

15,997 nasf (2009 Exst) 

25,137 nasf (2009 Need) 

26,212 nasf (2023 Need) 

2009 Exst 

46,969 nasf 

2009 Need 

49,002 nasf 

2023 Need 

56,057 nasf 

2023 Need 

2009 Exst 

72,411 nasf 

2009 Need 

70,485 nasf 

2023 Need 73,682 nasf 

2023 Need 

2009 Exst 

39,837 nasf 

2009 Need 40,698 nasf 

2023 Need 

42,338 nasf 

2009 Exst 29,838 nasf 

22,080 nasf (2009 Need) 

22,080 (2023 Need) 

15,054 nasf (2009 Exst) 

16,815 nasf (2009 Need) 

17,138 (2023 Need) 

1,211 nasf (2009 Exst) 

2,000 nasf (2009 Need) 

2,000 nasf (2023 Need) 

0 nasf (2009 Exst) 

0 nasf (2009 Need) 


12,638 nasf (2009 Exst) 



2023 Need 

2009 Exst 

187,840 nasf 

2009 Need 

201,399 nasf 

2023 Need 

185,663 nasf 

20


November 2011 

SPACE NEEDS 

D 

Table D1 

Existing Inventory* 

Projected Fall 2023 Total Need 

per Consultant Recommended 

Guidelines* 

SUNY Cobleskill Campus 

Agricultural Business 403 2,669 

Agricultural Engineering 28,081 18,402 

Alternative Energy 4,985 6,749 

Animal Science and Farm 108,711 99,299 

Fisheries & Wildlife Hatchery 13,270 14,565 

Plant Science & Greenhouse 30,082 21,603 

Total School of Agriculture & Natural Resources 185,532 163,287 

Business & Accounting 1,659 5,069 

Computer Technology 2,336 3,993 

Culinary & Travel 12,673 16,263 

Total School of Business 16,668 25,325 

Early Childhood 8,484 8,435 

Sport, Movement & Exercise 1,782 3,536 

Humanities/Communications/Graphic Design 5,978 15,175 

Mathematics 797 2,402 

Natural Sciences 17,357 13,928 

Social Sciences 1,462 6,982 

Total School of Liberal Arts & Sciences 35,860 50,458 

*Includes classroom, class lab, special use, research lab and departmental support spaces. 

21

EEXISTING CONDITIONS 


November 2011 

E – EXISTING CONDITIONS 

As part of the FMP process, the College examined the nomenclature of 

certain buildings and areas on the SUNY Cobleskill campus, particularly 

the outdoor space known as the “Old Quad” which is to be known as the 

“Upper Quad.” Additionally, the proposed building that has previously 

been referred to as the “Collegiate Center” is to be called the “Student & 

Community Center.” The Phase 5 report uses the new names provided by 

the College for buildings and open spaces. 

LAND USE 

At first blush the SUNY Cobleskill campus consists of two distinct zones: 

west and east, or agricultural and non-agricultural, respectively. The 

NYS Route 7 highway bisects the campus from north to south, creating a 

physical divide as well as a cultural disconnect. 

Beyond the obvious division of west and east, the existing campus can be 

understood as 9 distinct zones categorized by function. For the purpose 

of the FMP, these zones are defined as: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Academic 

Agricultural 

Non-agricultural 


Community 

Activities 

Library 

Residential 

Athletics 

Farm 

Service 

The academic zone on the east side of the campus is primarily “nonagricultural” 

and includes instructional and departmental support space 

for the School of Business and the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences. 

This prominent zone occupies the entire north end of the campus and 

encompasses Warner-Holmes, the Upper Quad, Wheeler Hall and a 

portion of Bouck Hall. With the exception of Frisbie Hall (located in the 

Upper Quad) and Wheeler Hall, all of the buildings in this zone are in 

need of moderate to high-level renovation. 

The academic zone on the west side of the campus is devoted to the 

School of Agriculture. Curtis Mott contains the bulk of Agricultural 

Engineering instruction and support, while the new Center for Agriculture 

and Natural Resources will provide a home for most other agriculture- 

related instruction and support (including some instructional space from 

the east side of the campus). 

The agricultural academic zone is adjacent to the farm zone, a relatively 

large land area that includes fields for animals and croppage. Equine, 

dairy and livestock facilities are also included in the farm zone. 

The Child Care Complex is categorized as a community space. This 

building is used for child care and activities that service the Town of 

Cobleskill and surrounding area. 

Brickyard Point, Beard Wellness and Champlin Hall comprise the main 

zone of activity space. This is situated between two clusters of student 

dormitories on the south end of the campus, east of Route 7. Bouck Hall 

and the dining hall in Prentice form a second activity zone, with recreation, 

fitness, assembly and lounge space (Bouck Hall) combined with campus 

dining and the American Heritage restaurant (Prentice). The Ski Lodge, 

located northwest of the main campus area, is also categorized as activity 

space. 

Library-related functions exist only in Van Wagenen, located south of the 

Upper (Old) Quad adjacent to Alumni Hall and Frisbie Hall. This building 

was constructed in the early 1970s—decades later than the historical 

buildings in the Upper Quad—and has a completely different aesthetic. 

The existing connection between the Upper Quad and Van Wagenen is 

a weak one; previous plans to construct an elevated walkway connecting 

Alumni Hall with the library were never realized. 

Three residential zones exist on the east side of the campus; one in the 

north along Route 7 highway, and the other two on the south end of the 

campus sandwiching the activity zone of Brickyard, Beard and Champlin 

Hall. The zone at the north consists of Vroman and Wieting Halls, both of 

which were constructed in the early 1960s. The second residential cluster 

consists of Draper, Dix and Pearson, all of which were constructed shortly 

after Vroman and Wieting (mid-1960s). The third residential zone is the 

most stylistically distinct, and includes Davis, Parsons, Porter, Ten Eyck and 

Fake Halls. Together these buildings are known as “Cement City,” named 

for their utilitarian concrete construction. These buildings, constructed in 

the early 1970s, are considered to be an eyesore—they are also located 

at the main entrance to the campus, leaving visitors with an unfavorable 

first impression of the SUNY Cobleskill campus. 

The athletic zone is located on the northeast side of the campus, down the 

hill behind Bouck, Wheeler and Old Gym Hall. The Field House, tennis 

courts, a track, softball fields and Crittenden Athletic Fields are located 

in this area. 

The service zone includes buildings in the Mackey Service Complex. This 

zone is located on the west side of Route 7, south of the new Center for 

Agriculture and Natural Resources [CANR]. 

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION 

Excluding the large area of the campus that is devoted to farm use, the 

SUNY Cobleskill campus is generally walkable in scale. However, the 

system of walkways is inconsistent across the campus and often impedes 

the flow of pedestrian circulation. Much of the existing pavement is in 

poor condition; in some cases, pathways are simply lacking—evidenced 

by desire paths along the shortest and most obvious routes between 

buildings. 

The network of walking paths is denser and more developed on the east 

side of the campus. However, the primary paths are not well coordinated 

with internal building circulation and somewhat disorienting for visitors 

unfamiliar with the campus. It appears that the walkways have been 

constructed in an ad-hoc manner, resulting in redundancies (multiple 

paths leading to the same destination) and oversights. 

The west side of the campus is lacking a cohesive system of walking paths 

and is less walkable than the east side of the campus. The pedestrian paths 

that do exist are for the most part limited to the area between Route 7 and 

the main academic buildings. There are no pedestrian connections to the 

Mackey Service Complex, the new Dairy Complex and CEST building or 

the Arena and Hangar. 

VEHICULAR CIRCULATION 

The SUNY Cobleskill campus can be accessed via two freeway interchanges 

off of I-88. The campus is bisected by Route 7, a New York State highway 

that runs parallel to I-88. This is the primary local road providing access 

to the campus as well as the Town and Village of Cobleskill. The majority 

of vehicular traffic enters the campus at the intersection of Route 7 and 

Schoharie Parkway at the southwest end of the campus. This is a signalized 

intersection that provides access to both the east and west sides of the 

campus. Knapp Hall serves as the “front door” of the campus and is 

the initial destination of most visitors. This building is located on the east 

side of the campus and can be accessed via Schoharie Parkway South off 

of Route 7. Albany Avenue creates a second loop around the campus, 

22


November 2011 

EXISTING CONDITIONS 

E 

Graphic E1 

Existing Campus Zones in 2013 

Academic 


Community 

Activities 

Library 

Residential 

Athletics 

Farm 

Service 

Academic 


Community 

Activities 

Library 

Residential 

Athletics 

Farm 

Service 

Inset: Existing Campus 

Zones in 2010 

23

F 

PROPERTY 

ACQUISITION 

F – PROPERTY ACQUISITION 


November 2011 

running parallel to Route 7 on the east side of the campus and defining 

the northern border of the campus. 

Schoharie Parkway North provides access to the west side of the campus, 

with Columbia Lane connecting to the Dairy Complex, CEST building and 

equestrian facilities. 

PARKING 

Several large lots provide most of the parking capacity for the College. 

Together the “P” Lot, “C” Lot, “W” Lot and “F” Lot (plus extension) include 

1,102 parking spaces and 92 handicapped parking spaces. The “W” 

lot is designated for commuter students, while residential students are 

assigned to lots based on the location of their dormitory. A portion of the 

“F” lot is reserved for visitor parking. The newer parking lot adjacent to 

the Center for Environmental Science and Technology [CEST] provides an 

additional 17 student and faculty spaces and 2 handicapped spaces. 

Smaller parking lots and areas are distributed throughout the campus, 

particularly along Albany Avenue and Schenectady Parkway, behind 

Frisbie Hall and in front of Ryder Hall. 

BUS SERVICE 

The campus is serviced by the Schoharie County Public Transportation 

and Adirondack Trailways bus services. Both stop at the Suffolk Circle 

adjacent to Knapp Hall. 

BUILDING RENOVATIONS PER CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT 

Most buildings on the SUNY Cobleskill campus were constructed in the 

1960s and 1970s and have received little investment since. Over the past 

four decades instruction, administration and campus life have evolved 

and, despite the College’s best efforts, the facilities have not kept pace. 

These deficiencies were explored and identified as part of Phases 2 and 

3. Per the State’s commitment to facilities investment across the SUNY 

system, it is recommended that many of Cobleskill’s facilities undergo 

significant if not complete renovation to optimally support the College’s 

programs. 

In the case of full building renovations, all efforts should be made to migrate 

facilities towards a LEED Gold equivalent status (LEED Silver equivalent 

status is mandated by NYS Executive Order 111). Furthermore, the FMP 

will yield a complete Building Information Model [BIM] of Cobleskill’s 

facilities. The campus should require all future design work to be conducted 

in BIM and the model updated accordingly. This model could also serve 

as the basis for future energy modeling and PSI coordination. 

SITE INFRASTRUCTURE, CIRCULATION & LANDSCAPE 

Phase 4 broadly calls for significant improvements to the campus 

landscape and circulation infrastructure as a result of the Phase 2 

investigation, as well as the broader desire to improve the social and 

functional organization of the campus and increase pedestrian safety at 

the Route 7 crossing. While the number of existing on-campus parking 

spaces is sufficient, there is a need to upgrade or repair the surface of 

several lots and to relocate some parking spaces for better functionality. 

The College is committed to dramatically reducing its environmental 

footprint and implementing sustainable measures. SUNY Cobleskill’s 

sustainability plan, coupled with enhanced utility metering and energy 

modeling will serve as the baseline for sustainable improvements to 

campus utilities and facilities as the FMP is implemented. SUNY is the 

second largest consumer of electricity in New York State and the benefits 

to the College, SUNY and the State are significant. 

As an agricultural college, SUNY Cobleskill utilizes a great deal of land 

but does not own nearly enough. This is driven by significant needs in 

the equestrian program and the subsequent displacement caused by that 

need, as well as by the need for additional croppage and pasture lands 

to support existing activities. The FMP has taken care to locate all smaller 

outdoor class lab environments that are situated between the built core of 

the College and the surrounding fields, and much of this land is currently 

utilized. 

As a result of this study, it is clear that the College needs to acquire 

both land that is adjacent to existing holdings as well as fields that are 

further away. The suitability of each field depends on a number of factors 

including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Ease in the transport of livestock and crops 

Fields need to be completely fenced 

Adjacency issues regarding the compatibility of other fields uses 

Environmental and fields run-off considerations 

Additionally, when looking to acquire land for non-agricultural purposes, 

the College should examine whether such needs can be accomplished 

through in-fill construction or investment in the Village of Cobleskill. 

24


November 2011 

PROPERTY ACQUISITION 

F 

Graphic F1 

Proposed Location of Fields Used 

by College 

* College field designations 

(i.e. 9a, 10w, n3, etc.) 

25

GCOMMUNITY ISSUES 


November 2011 

G – COMMUNITY ISSUES 

H – HOUSING 

I – SITE UTILITIES 

ROUTE 7 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CONCERNS 

SUNY Cobleskill has long been concerned about safety issues regarding 

Route 7 and the ability of students to safely cross between the two sides 

of campus. The road, however, is the main thoroughfare through the 

Village and many motorists would like to get through the campus quickly. 

The College continues to work with the Village and County to improve 

pedestrian conditions along Route 7, including the implementation of a 

recent grant from the federal government for traffic calming. This modest 

grant, however, will only result in sidewalks and some bike lanes and will 

most likely not significantly improve conditions. 

The College and numerous consultants (both as part of the FMP process 

and before) have suggested a traffic island, but alterations to Route 7 must 

be approved and coordinated with the New York State Department of 

Transportation which can be a lengthy process. Additionally, the College 

does generate some pedestrian traffic along Main Street between the 

campus and the center of the Village. Continuing dialogue between the 

College and the Village should be maintained to ensure both the safety of 

students, and to swiftly address any associated community complaints. 

ECONOMIC DEPENDENCE 

As one of the largest employers and generators of economic activity in 

the area, the College needs to communicate and coordinate major policy 

shifts to the broader community. This includes everything from pool and 

library hours to land acquisition and major construction projects. 

The College also has a unique economic leadership opportunity and 

can help set the tone of economic development through the various 

partnerships and continuing education programs its offers. 

LAND USE & STEWARDSHIP 

As one of the largest owners of developed and agricultural land, the 

College is in a very influential position regarding land use and stewardship, 

particularly in regard to storm water runoff from its many parking lots, 

roofs and fields. The College has been aggressive in pursuing sustainable 

strategies in its new construction and renovation projects. It should take 

advantage of these measures and turn them into teaching tools when 

possible, teaching local farmers about on-site water treatment, no till 

planting methods, etc. 

Existing residential environments are not in the scope of this FMP, but 

planning for future housing and the possible replacement of existing 

housing stock particularly impacts initiatives that may be recommended 

for the 2018-2023 funding cycle. Currently, SUNY Cobleskill is in the 

early stages of planning for new apartment-style housing, but without a 

specific location selected. Section K recommends that the new housing be 

located adjacent to the Lower Quad, between Curtis Mott and the CANR. 

This location will help to activate that side of campus, frame the Lower 

Quad and reduce social divisions. This location also can accommodate 

parking and is not subject to odors from the nearby farm more so than 

the rest of the campus. 

The final FMP includes the demolition of a single residential building, 

Porter Hall, to clear the site for the proposed Student & Community 

Center. In the long term the College is considering replacing much of 

its “Cement City” housing, however, there is no plan in development to 

accomplish this goal. 

Regardless of the College’s final decision, the FMP strongly recommends 

that future housing be located on land contiguous with the existing 

academic core and within close proximity to the center of campus. 

In comparing information provided by the FMP sub-consultants for work 

performed as part of “Phase 2 – Assessment of Existing Conditions” 

and the “2011 C&S Infrastructure Study,” there were considerable 

differences in factual information. The FMP Phase 2 Report is based upon 

anecdotal material and partial campus representation collected in the 

winter of 2011. The study conducted by C&S Companies of Syracuse, 

NY, is more comprehensive and involved investigative study of greater 

depth than the FMP material. Upon review it was determined that the 

C&S recommendations did not differ significantly from the FMP team’s 

recommendations and that the FMP would defer to the C&S study’s 

recommendations in the interest of consistency and accuracy. Regarding 

such recommendations, most of the C&S study’s initiatives yielded projects 

that are individually too small to be covered within the scope of an FMP, 

and that when considered in aggregate are part of critical maintenance 

funds and generally excluded from the FMP. When appropriate, significant 

initiatives called for by the C&S study are included in the FMP’s Phase 5 

report, but such items are sparing. Generally, most of Cobleskill’s building 

are in a physical state that the FMP recommends complete renovations 

and the initiatives are priced as such (see Cost Estimate in Appendix 1). 

Technical building performance expectations must meet Executive Order 

111 and be LEED Silver qualified. If the College should elect to grow 

significantly beyond the projections considered by the FMP, it is unclear to 

what extent the infrastructure or the Village could support such growth. 

At current enrollment, the existing utility infrastructure does not require 

significant modifications to meet the needs of the final FMP out to 2023. 

As discussed in the Phase 2 report, the utility infrastructure is generally 

in acceptable condition with capacity available to meet current needs. 

While significant changes and transition are anticipated through 2023, 

the impacts on the campus utilities will be minor. The campus population 

and building footprints are projected to grow only modestly, and the 

programmatic changes are not likely to result in significantly altered 

utility use. The emphasis on incorporating LEED® concepts into new 

and renovated buildings will reduce the per-capita and per-square-foot 

usage of water, energy, and generation of stormwater and wastewater, 

resulting in a very limited net increase, and possibly a reduction, in utility 

requirements, which will allow existing utilities to extend their service life. 

Where significant building or landscape renovations are proposed, the 

opportunity should be taken to upgrade nearby utility infrastructure. 

Cost savings may be realized by bundling improvements; while the 

initial disruption to the campus may be larger, the need for subsequent 

disturbance of that area is significantly reduced. Detailed information is 

available in C&S’s 2011 SUNY Cobleskill Infrastructure Study. 

26


November 2011 

SITE UTILITIES 

I 

WATER 

Current water distribution system infrastructure is suitable to serve 

current and projected water supply requirements. The FMP recommends 

extending and/or upsizing the potable water supply to the Equine Center. 

Planning for pipeline maintenance and replacement should be based 

on observations of system leaks, which so far are minor. Excavation for 

new or renovated buildings or landscaped areas provides an opportunity 

to perform more intensive review of pipeline conditions for evidence of 

corrosion and/or buildup. Coordination with the Village water supply is 

required to verify ongoing availability of supply and understand possible 

future capacity limitations. Additionally, the College has considered the 

option of replacing, refurbishing and/or adding a second water storage 

tank either at the Ski Lodge or adjacent to the existing tank. While a 

second tank is not needed (the existing tank is in serviceable condition), it 

would allow for maintenance of the existing tank should the need arise. 

The FMP also includes significant amount of site improvement work. 

Irrigation should be avoided (through the planting of indigenous and 

hardy species). If required the College should employ gray water capture 

and reuse measures. 

STEAM & HOT WATER 

Current steam and hot water distribution system infrastructure is suitable to 

serve current and projected supply requirements. The existing central plant 

under Wheeler Hall is of sufficient capacity. No major recommendations 

are forthcoming from either the FMP or the C&S study 

SANITARY SEWER 

Rehabilitation of the sanitary sewer pumping stations is required to 

maintain continued service. With appropriate ongoing maintenance and 

improved grease removal at dining facilities, the sanitary sewer system is 

suitable to serve current and projected supply requirements. On-going 

monitoring of buried infrastructure is necessary to identify and correct 

issues with inflow and infiltration from aging areas of the system. No 

significant work is projected on the campus by either the FMP or the 

C&S study, but the college may elect to replace aging infrastructure or 

infrastructure that is constructed of materials no longer in use. While the 

pipelines may be in good condition, it may be an opportunity to remove 

a material that is difficult to service. Additionally, it is the understanding 

of the FMP that sanitary lines will be extended to the Equestrian Center as 

part of the classroom and toilet addition to the existing Arena. If this is not 

the case, appropriate location-specific provisions should be made. 

STORM DRAINAGE 

No significant work is recommended on the campus by the FMP or the 

C&S study, but the College may elect to replace aging infrastructure. 

Catch basins and manholes in poor repair should be repaired or replaced 

throughout the campus, and on-going maintenance to clean debris 

the storm sewer system will preserve its capacity. Localized stormwater 

management practices, including rain gardens, infiltration swales, 

and rainwater harvesting should be implemented with construction or 

rehabilitation projects for use as landscape elements and to reduce 

the loading on the existing conveyance system (such as initiative 4Y - 

Improve Campus Sustainability by Restoring Wetlands). As with the 

sanitary wastewater system, ongoing monitoring of buried infrastructure 

is necessary to identify and correct issues with inflow and infiltration from 

aging areas of the system when they arise. 

The Nutrient Management Plan for the campus should be reviewed 

and best management practices implemented to reduce the pollutant 

loadings from the agricultural areas of the campus. The College should 

also explore options for green roofs in new construction when financially 

possible as a way to mitigate storm runoff. 

The recent flooding of the campus in August and September of 2011 

highlighted an additional concern with regard to storm drainage. The 

drainage system along Route 7, the New York State highway that bisects 

the campus, is insufficient to carry storm runoff. The FMP proposes a 

redesign of Route 7 to incorporate traffic calming measures, which would 

require upgrades to the storm drainage system. While the reconstruction 

of storm drainage along NYS Route 7 is not a responsibility of the College, 

it is an issue that impacts the campus. 

NATURAL GAS 

Current gas distribution and fuel storage infrastructure is suitable to 

serve current and projected supply requirements, and provides some 

flexibility for future adjustments to fuel type, including the incorporation 

of biomass-derived gas and biodiesel blends in natural gas and fuel oil 

systems respectively. No major recommendations are forthcoming. 

ELECTRICAL 

The overall underground distribution on SUNY Cobleskill’s campus 

consists of mainly radial feeds from Electrical Substation #1. Over the 

years this distribution has become messy and difficult to trace. There 

are multiple splices made across the campus’ manholes for particular 

radial feeds that put stress on the cables and can affect their electrical 

properties. C&S took infrared photos at various manholes, and though 

at the time most of them do not show signs of overheating, it is inevitable 

that overheating will stress these cables at the splices, causing failures. 

The C&S study calls for a campus-wide electrical infrastructure upgrade 

within the next 15 years. From that study: 

“A portion of the campus still utilizes 5kV systems via overhead poles 

and transformers within the campus, transforming 13.8kV to 5kV. 

These 5kV systems cost more to utilize based on the lower voltage and 

should be replaced with 13.8kV at some point. Though the system 

does contain loop feeds on south campus, much of the campus is 

fed using radial feeds, and with these radial feeds splices were made 

to feed new buildings or loads across the campus. These splices can 

put stress on the cables ...and if a new system of 13.8kV was run 

across the entire campus, it would limit the probability of failures 

within the cables and splices. Resistance testing on the cables at this 

time would not assist the College in their decision to replace these 

cables because overheating at these splices will happen in the future 

and replacement would only simplify the system. 

The College would benefit from a complete switchover to 13.8kV 

because of the ability to isolate failures and at the same time, maintain 

power to all buildings on campus. The switchgear located at Electrical 

Substation #1 could be tested and cleaned to ensure life expectancies 

will be met, since the cost of replacing the gear is far more than that 

of maintenance. Services are cheaper at higher voltages because of 

the cost to transform 13.8kV to 5kV for the campus, and a few of the 

overhead services wouldn’t exist. The campus would have to replace all 

gear that is associated with the 5kV systems, mostly medium-voltage 

switches and transformers with 13.8kV gear. The cost to convert these 

voltages is high in the beginning stages...but over time, there will be 

payback based on the higher service voltage at a lower cost to the 

user, while the entire underground system is replaced, eradicating 

any areas possible of failure...With a new distribution upgrade set 

in place, a communications upgrade could also be completed at the 

same time, running communication and fiber lines in the same duct 

banks as the electrical power. New communication manholes would 

need to be provided since high-voltage lines and communication 

lines cannot reside within the same manhole, but this overall design 

would reorganize and clean up a lot of the underground electrical/ 

communication lines that exist now.” 

27

J 

LANDSCAPE 

PLAN 


November 2011 

J – LANDSCAPE PLAN 

Additionally, there is a high possibility of lead and PCBs in the existing 

electrical system on the west side of campus based upon age. 

The cost of this recommendation is not carried by the FMP as it is considered 

part of the College’s critical maintenance needs. Coordination with site 

improvement efforts, however, should be done when possible. 

DATA 

While this data and technology issues are presented in greater detail 

in Section M (Technology) it is generally understood that the campus’ 

data infrastructure has inadequate redundancy and is at capacity. The 

FMP recommends that the College undertake a study and chart how the 

campus envisions both rationalizing and expanding the current system. 

As with the significant electrical system upgrades, data upgrades should 

be coordinated to minimize site disturbance and combine with other 

infrastructure work for cost savings. 

As this issue requires significant additional study, it is not an initiative of the 

FMP and project costs are not carried in the FMP’s budget. Additionally, 

this work should also be coordinated with initiative 1F - Upgrade General 

Classroom Technology Campus-wide, which involves the installation of 

data backbones in all instructional buildings, new data closets and multimedia 

capabilities. 

The facilities master plan [FMP] team, in conjunction with the College, 

has identified planning objectives that, taken together with critical design 

drivers such as infrastructure and programmatic needs, guide the design 

and development of campus spaces. These objectives are considered not 

only in the planning of new buildings but also in the design of the campus 

landscape spaces. 

The principle of providing opportunities for experiential learning is evident 

in throughout all three of the concept alternatives. SUNY Cobleskill is set 

apart by its emphasis on hands-on learning, giving students the unique 

advantage of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. To this 

end, the FMP approaches the landscape as a laboratory for real-world 

learning. 

The Lower Quad, for example, can include exposed storm water 

infrastructure that is necessary for the campus, but also provides visual 

interest and opportunities for learning in outdoor classrooms. Science 

curricula related to water quality, sustainability, and bio-geo-chemical 

processes may also have the opportunity to use the campus’s storm 

water management practices as a tool for learning. Outdoor spaces may 

contain teaching gardens or an arboretum—features that are not only 

attractive but useful. 

The objective of breaking down the socio-cultural divisions within the 

SUNY Cobleskill campus is supported by the effort to strengthen the 

physical connection between the east and west sides of the campus. In 

the final FMP a crossing at Route 7 is established in alignment to the 

Student & Community Center. Traffic-calming treatments, such as median 

islands, human-scale lighting, signage, pedestrian-actuated signals, and 

varied road widths, are applied at the primary pedestrian crossing. The 

reconfigured crossing of Route 7 provide an essential link between the 

two sides of the campus. 

established at a highly visible location that can be easily accessed by 

the general public such as the main campus entry at Schoharie Parkway 

south and may include a modest amount of nearby parking. 

In addition to the planning objectives identified by the College, a second 

set of summary design principles are proposed for the campus landscape. 

These ideas guide the development of the campus landscape as a unified, 

safe and attractive environment. These principles include: 

• 

• 

• 

Simplify 

• Replace unnecessary stairs and ramps; mitigate grade 

changes with landscaping strategies where it is possible 

• Eliminate redundancies such as parallel walkways 

• Provide centrally located, uncluttered, open green 

spaces 

Reduce 

• Set standards for lighting, paving materials and site 

walls 

• Utilize local materials and native vegetation to reduce 

maintenance 

• Remove unnecessary pavement 

• Develop landscape management zones that assign 

reduced management areas 

Design with the land 

• Organize circulation along natural patterns of movement 

as suggested by desire lines and the natural topography 

of the site 

• Provide universal access by creating a circulation network 

that moves along the contours of the land 

• Engage the creek by providing access 

In addition to creating opportunities for the Village and Town of Cobleskill 

community to be involved with the campus, such as the farm market and 

community-oriented programs, a larger effort can be made to connect 

the campus to the community through landscape. The development of 

the Cobleskill Creek Trail will provide an amenity on the campus that 

attracts students as well as the larger community. Developing this feature 

as a public space presents a strong statement about SUNY Cobleskill’s 

commitment to being a good neighbor. The trail head should be 

28


November 2011 

LANDSCAPE PLAN 

J 

Graphic J1 

Final FMP Landscape Plan* 

Existing Buildings 

Renovation 

New Construction 

Athletic Fields 

Campus Boundary 


Renovation 


Athletic Fields 

Campus Boundary 

* Refer to Graphic K5 for limits 

of work 

29

KRECOMMENDATIONS 


November 2011 

Graphic K1 

SUNY Cobleskill Final FMP 

Recommendations 

Home Economics Hall 

Old Gym Hall 

Alumni Hall renovated with 

New Student & Community 

Center faces Route 7 and 

provides attractive “front door” 

to the campus. Includes Wellness 

Center, campus dining, activities 

and event space. 

30


November 2011 


K 

K – RECOMMENDATIONS 

PLANNING OBJECTIVES 

Approach to Agriculture & Natural Resources 

Approach to Liberal Arts & Sciences 

Four primary planning objectives were identified by the College as part 

of the FMP process: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Support changing pedagogies 

Address cultural divisions between ag and non-ag communities 

Create a safe and secure campus 

Become a part of the Town of Cobleskill community while striving 

to be a good neighbor 

These goals, along with SUNY’s mission, have been adopted as directing 

forces for the FMP process. 

To support changing pedagogies, SUNY Cobleskill builds upon the 

tradition of experiential learning by employing “active learning” techniques 

and maximizing student interaction with faculty and staff. Peer-to-peer 

learning will be promoted through better designed classrooms and 

informal meeting spaces. 

Addressing the cultural divisions on the campus is one of the College’s 

highest priorities. While the physical division of the campus by Route 7 

is not the cause of the disconnect between “ag” and “non-ag” students, 

it certainly reinforces their segregation. It is a theme throughout the 

development of the FMP to minimize the physical and social divide by 

creating more compelling activity centers on both sides of Route 7 to 

encourage “crossing the highway,” while employing strategies to calm 

traffic and improve pedestrian safety at the crossing. 

The College remains committed to creating a safe and secure 

environment. Safety is increased by improving pedestrian pathways and 

crossings throughout the campus—particularly across and along Route 7. 

Landscape initiatives such as better wayfinding and new lighting will also 

help to create a safer campus environment. 

Strengthening the relationship between the College and the community 

can be achieved by providing on-campus activities for the broader 

community, as well as creating a better physical connection (particularly for 

pedestrians and cyclists) from the campus to Main Street in Cobleskill. 

Preceding the implementation of FMP initiatives, the School of Agriculture 

& Natural Sciences is receiving significant investment with the construction 

of the new Center for Agriculture & Natural Sciences and the replacement 

of many of the farm and animal facilities on campus. Despite this 

investment, there remain significant needs relative to the Agricultural 

Engineering department, outdoor class lab environments, and field needs 

for livestock and crops. The final FMP addresses these issues by: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Providing a high-level renovation of Curtis Mott plus a new 

addition that includes departmental support, high-bay class lab 

space, equipment storage, and a case-method classroom 

Upgrading and replacing existing farm and animal facilities 

Providing new facilities to support specialized instruction (such as 

the livestock classroom building) 

Allocating resources for additional farmland 

Approach to Business 

The improvement of the School of Business has been emphasized by 

the College as a high priority. For the purpose of the FMP, the School is 

viewed as three distinct entities: Culinary Arts, Computer Technology, and 

Business & Accounting. 

The Department of Culinary Arts, Hospitality & Tourism has recently 

shifted its focus away from cooking and toward hospitality management. 

It is possible that the Department will pursue a second shift towards 

localism and farm-to-table food production, providing an opportunity to 

collaborate with the School of Agriculture & Natural Resources. 

Computer Technology expects a considerable decrease in enrollment 

out to 2023. The final FMP proposes to relocate Computer Technology 

from Warner-Holmes Hall to the renovated Alumni Hall, creating an 

“Information & Technology Commons” that includes open computer 

labs, C.A.S.E., the Writing Center, and class labs for Faculty & Student 

Technology Development. 

The Department of Business & Accounting is also a high priority. The FMP 

reinvents Home Economics Hall as the primary “Business” building on the 

campus. The building receives a full interior demolition and fit-out, and is 

repurposed with department offices, specialty learning spaces for Business 

and Ag Business such as case-methods classrooms and simulation labs. 

Faculty offices and collaboration space are also provided. 

A considerable amount of resources has recently been invested in the 

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, including the renovation of Frisbie Hall 

and the expansion of Wheeler Hall. To provide further support for Liberal 

Arts & Sciences, the final FMP proposes strategic upgrades to lecture, 

shared classrooms, and collaborative learning spaces campus-wide. Old 

Gym Hall is renovated and repurposed as the “Art” building on campus, 

with Art, Graphic Design and Landscape studios, general instruction, and 

supporting faculty offices. 

Approach to Library, Collaboration, and Food Service 

While the final FMP does not recommend an addition to the Library, it 

does provide more space for the Library by relocating C.A.S.E. and the 

Writing Center from the lower floor of Van Wagenen to Alumni Hall. The 

FMP envisions the library as a knowledge and media resource as well as 

a social hub (secondary to the Student & Community Center). In addition 

to a full renovation of the building, the final FMP proposes to upgrade the 

landscape and plaza area in the immediate vicinity of the Library. 

The primary dining facilities on the campus are currently located in 

Champlin Hall and Prentice Hall. While the College provided positive 

feedback on existing campus Food Service, the final FMP relocates one of 

the large dining facilities and provides a new “food court”-style dining hall 

in the Student & Community Center. In addition, three satellite cafes are 

provided across the campus—in Warner-Holmes, Van Wagenen Library, 

and the new Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources [CANR]. Other 

campus zones, such as the Upper Quad, will be provided with vending 

machines and lounge seating. 

To address campus Food Service, the final FMP recommends: 

• 

• 

Demolishing Champlin Hall and providing a new food courtstyle 

dining hall (275 seats) in the Student & Community Center 

Locating the main dining hall (400 seats) in Prentice Hall with 

“all-you-care-to-eat” service 

Prentice Hall will also include a 75-seat fine dining venue for weekend 

and evening service, as well as a bakery and the main CAS offices. 

The consolidation of the main dining hall and supporting services with 

Culinary Arts will provide a beneficial adjacency for students and faculty, 

creating yet another opportunity for real-life learning. 

31



November 2011 

Graphic K2 

Final FMP Zones of Use 

Academic 


Community 

Activities 

Library 

Residential 

Athletics 

Farm 

Service 

Academic 


Community 

Activities 

Library 

Residential 

Athletics 

Farm 

Service 

32


November 2011 


K 

Collaboration space is notably lacking on the SUNY Cobleskill campus. 

The final FMP proposes to add a significant number of Collaboration 

hubs throughout the campus, particularly in academic buildings and the 

Student & Community Center. For the purpose of this FMP, Collaboration 

space is defined as semi-formal meeting areas—sometimes technologyenhanced—that 

act as hubs for on-demand group study. Peer-to-peer 

learning is an important component of higher education, and can be 

encouraged by providing various informal and semi-formal spaces for 

study and collaboration. 

functionality. The final FMP proposes minor changes to campus parking, 

including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Relocating the lot adjacent to the Arena Center to make room for 

the new covered Arena 

Providing a new parking lot across the road from the Arena 

Center to accommodate trailers and RVs during events 

Expanding the F-Lot with additional parking spaces 

Repairing and upgrading existing parking campus-wide 

Graphic K3 

Pedestrian Circulation 

Campus Entry Sequence 

The sequence of entry from Route 7 is an important consideration not 

only for functionality but also for the visual impression created by the 

campus. Currently the campus turns its “back side” to Route 7, with the 

“front door” of Knapp Hall facing the interior of the campus. The final 

FMP addresses the challenge of the entry sequence and presence of the 

campus along Route 7 in several ways: 

RECOMMENDATION HIGHLIGHTS 

Major Operational Initiatives: 

• Meets 2023 space needs through capital improvements 

Major Program Initiatives: 

Graphic K4 

Vehicular Circulation 

• 

• 

• 

The Student & Community Center faces Route 7 and is accessible 

from the highway, creating a prominent “front door” to the 

campus 

A new traffic roundabout with landscaping and collegiate signage 

is provided at the main campus entrance 

A tree buffer is provided along Route 7, creating an attractive 

entry sequence, shielding the campus from the highway and 

drawing attention to the new Student & Community Center 

Approach to Albany Avenue 

Albany Avenue is the loop road that encircles the east side of the campus. 

The final FMP proposes several changes to Albany Avenue to improve 

vehicular access and pedestrian safety: 

• 

• 

• 

Reconstruct paving and curbs 

Repair parking surfaces along Albany Avenue 

Reconfigure portions of the road to provide cul-de-sacs at the 

new Student & Community Center and Prentice Hall 

Approach to Parking 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Provides new Student & Community Center building 

Locates upper level instruction for the School of Business in 

Home Economics Hall with new specialized spaces to support 

instruction 

Reinforces Old Gym Hall as the campus “creative arts” building 

Provides campus-wide technology upgrade for instruction 

Provides new and improved space for Agricultural Engineering 

Consolidates computer and technology-related functions in 

Alumni Hall, creating an “information & technology commons” 

Combines Culinary Arts and the main campus dining facility in 

an expanded Prentice Hall 

Major Site Planning Initiatives: 

• 

• 

• 

Improves the pedestrian connection between the east and west 

sides of the campus by developing the crossing at Route 7 

Improves the quality of campus open space on the west side of 

the campus with a new landscaped Lower Quad 

Improves the quality of open space on the east side of the 

campus by landscaping the Middle Quad and reconstructing 

Knapp Plaza 

Graphic K5 

Service Circulation 

As mentioned previously, the campus does not have a critical need for 

additional parking spaces. There is, however, a need to upgrade or repair 

the surface of several lots and to relocate some parking spaces for better 

33



November 2011 

Table K1 

Building 

Alumni Hall (Alumni 

Hall) 

Alumni Hall - New 

Addition 

2009 

Use 

Career Pathways 

Printing Services 

General Instr. 

SANR 

2013 

Use 




SANR 

2018 

Use 




SANR 

2023 & Beyond 

Use 


C.A.S.E. 

Writing Center 

Faculty & Student 

Development 

Computer Tech. 

E.O.P. 

n/a n/a n/a Career Pathways 

C.A.S.E. 

Writing Center 

Faculty & Student 

Development 

Computer Tech. 

Animal Husbandry SANR n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Beard Wellness Wellness Wellness n/a n/a 4C 

Bouck Hall, Bouck 

Hall Expansion and 

Swimming Pool 

Bouck Hall - New 

Addition (Ped. Gallery) 

Athletics & Rec. 

Phys. Ed. 

Assembly 

Food Service 

Bookstore 

E.O.P. 


Phys. Ed. 

Assembly 

Food Service 

Bookstore 

E.O.P. 


Phys. Ed. 

Assembly 

Food Service 

Bookstore 

E.O.P. 


Phys. Ed. 

Assembly 

n/a n/a n/a Student Activity 

Collaboration 

Brickyard Point Student Activity Student Activity n/a n/a 4B 

Student & Community 

Center (New building) 

Center for Agriculture 

& Natural Resources 

Center for 

Environmental Science 

and Technology 

Champlin Dining Hall 

Chemical Storage 

(Hort.) 

Child Care Complex 

n/a n/a Student Activities 

Food Service 

Student Gov’t 

Art Gallery 

Wellness Center 

Student Activities 

Food Service 

Student Gov’t 

Art Gallery 

Wellness Center 

n/a SANR SANR SANR n/a 

n/a Alt. Energy Alt. Energy Alt. Energy n/a 

Food Service 

School of Bus. 

(Culinary Labs) 

Food Service 



Food Service 



SANR n/a n/a n/a n/a 

SLAS 

(Child/Daycare) 

SLAS 


SLAS 


n/a 

SLAS 


Curtis Mott SANR SANR SANR SANR 1B 

Ref. 

1A 

1A 

2A 

2A 

2B 

4E 

n/a 

Table K1 (Continued) 

Building 

2009 

Use 

2013 

Use 

2018 

Use 

2023 & Beyond 

Use 

Curtis Mott Addition n/a n/a n/a SANR 1B 

Equine Training 

Center 

SANR SANR SANR SANR n/a 

Equine Office Building SANR n/a n/a n/a n/a 

New Equine Office 

Building 

n/a SANR SANR SANR n/a 

Fieldhouse Athletics & Rec. Athletics & Rec. Athletics & Rec. Athletics & Rec. n/a 

Fish Hatchery SANR n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Fish/WL House SANR n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Fish/WL Storage SANR n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Frisbie Hall n/a General Instr. 

SLAS 


SLAS 


SLAS 

Greenhouses SANR n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Hodder Hall SANR n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Hodder Garage SANR n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Hodder Lab SANR n/a n/a n/a n/a 


(Home Ec.) 


- New Addition 


SANR 

School of 

Bus. (Bus. & 

Accounting / Ag. 

Bus.) 

Ref. 

n/a 

School of Bus. School of Bus. 1C 

n/a n/a Circulation Circulation 1C 

Johnson (UPD) University Police n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Hospital Barn and 

Connecting Pass 

New Public Safety 

Building 

Knapp Hall 

Kniskern House 

Mackey Service 

Building 

Old Gym Hall (Old 

Gym) 

Physical Maintenance 

Shop 

SANR (Dairy) SANR (Dairy) SANR (Dairy) SANR (Dairy) n/a 

n/a n/a University Police 

Welcome Center 


Advancement 

President 

Academic Affairs 

Student Affairs 

SANR 

(Faculty Offices) 


Advancement 

President 




Advancement 

President 



University Police 

Welcome Center 


Advancement 

President 



University Police Storage n/a n/a 

Building Service Building Service Building Service Building Service 


SANR 

SLAS 


SANR 

SLAS 


SLAS 


SLAS 


Service Service Service Service 3D 

3E 

3A 

3B 

1D 

34


November 2011 


K 

Table K1 (Continued) 

Building 

2009 

Use 

2013 

Use 

2018 

Use 

2023 & Beyond 

Use 

Pole Barn Service Service Service Service n/a 

Porter Hall Residential n/a n/a n/a 4D 

Prentice Hall 

Prentice Hall—New 

Addition 

Food Service 


(Culinary) 

Food Service 


(Culinary) 

Food Service 


(Culinary) 

Food Service 


(Culinary) 

n/a n/a n/a Food Service 


(Culinary) 

President’s Residence President’s House President’s House President’s House President’s House n/a 

Ryder Hall 

SLAS 

(Faculty Offices) 

Ref. 

1E 

2C 

1E 

2C 

Surge Surge n/a 4A 

Salt Storage Service Service Service Service n/a 

Storage Garages (PM) Service Service Service Service n/a 

Surplus Storage Service Service Service Service n/a 

Trailers No. 1-4 Service Service Service Service n/a 

Stallion Barn SANR SANR SANR SANR n/a 

Van Wagenen Library 

Library 


(Writing Center/ 

C.A.S.E.) 

Library 



C.A.S.E.) 

Library 



C.A.S.E.) 

Library 

Warehouse Service Service Service Service 3C 

Warner-Holmes Hall 

Wheeler Hall 

Gen. Instr. 


SLAS 

Campus IT 


SLAS 

Gen. Instr. 


SLAS 

Campus IT 


SLAS 

Gen. Instr. 


SLAS 

Campus IT 


SLAS 

Gen. Instr. 


SLAS 

Campus IT 

Internat’l Edu. 

Food Service 


SLAS 

Wheeler Addition n/a SLAS SLAS SLAS n/a 

2D 

1G 

n/a 

Table K2 

Building 

2009 

Use 

2013 

Use 

2018 

Use 

2023 & Beyond 

Use 

Arena Center Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine) n/a 

New Arena Addition n/a Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine n/a 

BFRM Storage Farm Farm Farm Farm n/a 

Carriage House Farm (Storage) Farm Farm Farm n/a 

Commodity Sheds 

Farm (Compost, 

Equip. Storage) 

n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Farm Storage Farm Farm Farm Farm n/a 

Farm/Hort Machinery Farm Farm Farm Farm n/a 

Hay Storage Farm n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Horse Barn / 

Phantom Breeding 

(Hangar) 

Hospital Barn and 

Connecting Pass 

Livestock Housing 

Livestock Housing/ 

Machine Storage 

Milking Parlor (Part of 

New Dairy Complex) 

New Dairy Complex 

Old Dairy Barn 

Farm 

(Equine) 

Farm 

(Equine) 

Farm 

(Equine) 

Farm 

(Equine) 

Farm Farm Farm Farm n/a 

Farm 

(Dairy) 

Farm 

(Livestock) 

Farm 

(Dairy) 

Farm 

130-150 dairy 

cows 

Farm 

(Livestock) 

Farm 

(Livestock) 

Farm 

(Livestock) 

Farm 

(Dairy) 

Farm 

130-150 dairy 

cows 

Farm 

(Livestock) 

Farm 

(Livestock) 

Farm 

(Dairy) 

Farm 

130-150 dairy 

cows 

Farm 

(Livestock) 

Farm 

(Livestock) 

Farm 

(Dairy) 

Farm 

130-150 dairy 

cows 

Ref. 

1L 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a n/a n/a n/a 

Pump House Farm Farm Farm Farm n/a 

Separator Building Farm Farm Farm Farm n/a 

Stallion Barn Farm (Equine) Farm (Livestock) Farm (Livestock) Farm (Livestock) n/a 

New Heifer Barn n/a Farm (Dairy) Farm (Dairy) Farm (Dairy) n/a 

New Coverall 

Structure/Arena 

New Covered Round 

Pens (2) 

New Covered 

Exerciser Facility 

New Livestock Class 

Lab Facility 

n/a Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine) 1L 

n/a Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine) 1L 

n/a Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine) Farm (Equine) 1K 

n/a SANR SANR SANR 1M 

New Hay Storage n/a Farm Farm Farm 1N 

35



November 2011 

GROUP 1 – ACADEMIC INITIATIVES GROUP 2 – SHARED INITIATIVES GROUP 4 – OPEN SPACE INITIATIVES 

1A 

1B 

1C 

1D 

1E 

1F 

1G 

1H 

1I 

1J 

1K 

1L 

1M 

1N 

1O 

REINVENT ALUMNI HALL AS THE CAMPUS “INFORMATION & 

TECHNOLOGY COMMONS” 

RENOVATE AND EXPAND CURTIS MOTT TO SUPPORT 

AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING 

REALIGN HOME ECONOMICS HALL TO SUPPORT UPPER 

LEVEL INSTRUCTION FOR THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS 

REALIGN OLD GYM HALL TO SUPPORT ART INSTRUCTIONAL 

AND SUPPORT SPACES 

RENOVATE AND EXPAND PRENTICE HALL TO SUPPORT 

CONSOLIDATED CULINARY ARTS 

UPGRADE GENERAL CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS- 

WIDE 

RENOVATE WARNER-HOLMES TO SUPPORT NEW AND 

EXISTING PROGRAMS 

PROVIDE NEW EQUINE ARENA 

PROVIDE NEW COVERALL STRUCTURE WITH ROUND PENS 

REPLACE ROOF OF EQUINE TRAINING CENTER 

PROVIDE COVERED EXERCISER FACILITY FOR EQUINE USE 

RENOVATE HORSE STALLS (HANGAR BUILDING) 

PROVIDE NEW CLASS LAB FACILITY AT LOWER QUAD 

REPLACE EXISTING HAY STORAGE STRUCTURE 

PROVIDE NEW LIVESTOCK BUILDING TO REPLACE FARM/ 

HORT. MACHINERY STRUCTURE 

2A 

2B 

2C 

2D 

RENOVATE AND CONTEMPORIZE BOUCK HALL 

PROVIDE NEW STUDENT & COMMUNITY CENTER 

RENOVATE AND EXPAND PRENTICE HALL AND TO SUPPORT 

FOOD SERVICE 

RENOVATE VAN WAGENEN LIBRARY 

GROUP 3 – SUPPORT INITIATIVES 

3A 

3B 

3C 

3D 

3E 

REORIENT STUDENT SERVICES TO INCREASE VISIBILITY OF 

AND ACCESSIBILITY TO KNAPP HALL 

UPGRADE SYSTEMS IN MACKEY SERVICE BUILDING 

PROVIDE BASIC UPGRADE OF WAREHOUSE 

RENOVATE PHYSICAL MAINTENANCE [PM] SHOP 

PROVIDE NEW BUILDING TO SUPPORT UNIVERSITY POLICE 

DEPARTMENT AND WELCOME CENTER 

4A DEMOLISH EXISTING RYDER HALL 

4B DEMOLISH EXISTING BRICKYARD POINT 

4C DEMOLISH EXISTING BEARD WELLNESS CENTER 

4D DEMOLISH EXISTING PORTER HALL 

4E DEMOLISH EXISTING CHAMPLIN HALL 

4F DEMOLISH EXISTING KNISKERN HOUSE 

4G NOT USED 

4H NOT USED 

4I IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION ACROSS ROUTE 7 

4J IMPROVE OPEN SPACE QUALITY BY CREATING LANDSCAPED 

MIDDLE QUAD 

4K IMPROVE OPEN SPACE QUALITY BY CREATING LANDSCAPED 

LOWER QUAD 

4L IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND OPEN SPACE QUALITY AT 

KNAPP HALL PLAZA 

4M IMPROVE OPEN SPACE QUALITY ADJACENT TO VAN 

WAGENEN LIBRARY 

4N RECONSTRUCT SERVICE COMPLEX PARKING AND IMPROVE 

ADJACENT OPEN SPACE 

4O IMPROVE OPEN SPACE QUALITY AND ACCESSIBILITY BY 

CREATING LANDSCAPED COLLEGE YARD 

4P UPGRADE EXISTING WALKWAYS CAMPUS-WIDE 

4Q PROVIDE TREE BUFFER ALONG ROUTE 7 

4R PROVIDE ADDITIONAL GRAZING AND CROP LAND 

4S RECONSTRUCT PARKING LOT AT NEW EQUINE ARENA 

4T CONSTRUCT NEW PARKING LOT AT UPPER EQUINE FACILITY 

4U PROVIDE STAIRWAY AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION TO 

FIELDHOUSE 

4V UPGRADE PARKING LOTS CAMPUS-WIDE 

4W IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR SAFETY AT MAIN 

CAMPUS ENTRANCE 

4X RECONFIGURE ALBANY AVENUE 

4Y IMPROVE CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY BY RESTORING 

WETLANDS 

4Z REPLACE EXISTING PARKING ALONG ALBANY AVENUE 

4AA PROVIDE NEW STADIUM TO SUPPORT ATHLETICS 

4BB NOT USED 

4CC PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PARKING AT LOT F 

4DD RECONSTRUCT ALBANY AVENUE 

36


November 2011 


K 

Graphic K6 

Final FMP Initiatives by Location 


Renovation 


Existing Green Space 

Initiative Area 

New Trees 


Renovation 


Existing Green Space 

Initiative Area 

New Trees 

37



November 2011 

SUNY Cobleskill Students 

RECOMMENDED STUDIES 

In addition to the following initiatives concerning facilities and campus 

open space, the FMP recommends a number of technical, programming 

and additional studies. 

• 

• 

Programming Studies 

• School of Business 

• Culinary Arts 

• Social Sciences 

• Student & Community Center 

• Library 

• Student Life 

Technical Studies 

• Analyze and redesign the campus signal conduit and 

manhole system 

• Assess the cost and risk of implementing VoIP (Voiceover-IP) 

• Assess the eletrical distribution system to determine 

longevity and develop an approach to switchover the 

system from 5kV to 13.8kV 

The FMP also recommends the investigation of existing technology 

infrastructure, including: 

• 

• 

Documenting all existing Wireless Access Point [WAP] locations 

on campus 

Evaluating the current level of cooling available to all existing 

BDF and IDF rooms to determine if PoE enabled switches can be 

properly supported 

38

COLOR BY ACCOUNT 

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY 

CUSTODIAL SERVICES 

CUSTODIAL SERVICES - CIRC 

LIBRARY - CASE 

LIBRARY - MEDIA COMMONS 


ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT M&O 

BUILDINGS-STRUCTURAL MAINT 

COLLABORATION 



LIBRARY - CASE 


November 2011 


K 

GROUP 1 – ACADEMIC INITIATIVES 

1A REINVENT ALUMNI HALL AS THE CAMPUS “INFORMATION & 

TECHNOLOGY COMMONS” 

Inset to differentiate old 

and new portions of bldg 

General classroom 

Historic facade to be preserved 

Graphic K7 

Alumni Hal per FMP - Upper 

Floor (at top) 

Alumni Hall is a two-level structure, plus a basement, that is largely 

dedicated to administration functions, including campus printing services. 

Landscape and Plant Science laboratories are located on the top floors, 

along with one general classroom. Like the other buildings that comprise 

the Upper Quad—with the exception of Frisbie Hall, which recently 

received a major renovation—Alumni Hall is in need of a significant 

renovation. It would also benefit from improved circulation, despite the 

prior addition of an egress stair several decades ago. 

The necessity of a significant renovation provides the opportunity for 

realignment and repurposing of space within Alumni Hall. New space will 

be provided for the Center for Academic Support and Excellence [C.A.S.E.] 

and the Writing Center, which are to be relocated from the lower floor 

of Van Wagenen Library. With the relocation of C.A.S.E. and the Writing 

Center, open computer lab space and Faculty & Student Technology 

Development space will provide a hub for academic resources and 

technology support. Art and Landscape Design studios will be relocated 

to Old Gym Hall and supported by faculty offices for the School of Liberal 

Arts & Sciences. A new 9,000 gsf addition to Alumni Hall will provide 

space for expanded computer labs and Computer Technology instruction. 

Additionally, the Equal Opportunity Program [E.O.P.] will be located on 

the lower level. 

Table K3 

No. 003 Alumni Hall 2009 Per FMP 

7,357 nasf 14,972 nasf 

Administration (Printing to Mackey) 3,547 nasf 0 nasf 

Equal Opportunity Program [E.O.P.] 0 nasf 1,254 nasf 

Collaboration 0 nasf 718 nasf 

Computer Technology 0 nasf 4,458 nasf 

General Instruction 445 nasf 826 nasf 

Library - C.A.S.E. 0 nasf 4,033 nasf 

New Computer Technology 

class lab 

New stair 

New Computer Technology 

class lab 

New toilets 

Conference space 

New egress stair 

C.A.S.E. 

New open stair to visually 

connect floors 

Conference space 

New toilets 


New building entrance 

L02 

L01 


towards Library 

Collaboration space (Type 3) 

Computer Technology faculty 

offices 


New Elevator 

Computer Technology faculty 

offices 

Historic facade to be preserved 

on north, east and south sides 

Center for Academic Skills and 

Excellence [C.A.S.E.] 

Open separation between 

gallery and C.A.S.E. to foster 

use and social interaction 

New vestibule; entry from Upper 

Quad 

Faculty offices 


Student / faculty tech. 

development labs 

Open separation between gallery 

and development center to foster 

use and social interaction 

General Instruction 

School of Arts & Science 


School of Agriculture & 

Natural Resources 

President 

Institutional Advancement 




Library & Information Services 

Other 

Outline of Existing Building 

Outline of New Construction 

Graphic K8 

Alumni Hall per FMP - Main 

Floor (at middle) 

Graphic K9 

Alumni Hall per FMP - Lower 

Floor (at bottom) 






President 






Other 



Library 

Warner-Holmes 

Library - Media Commons 0 nasf 1,284 nasf 

Library - Development Center 0 nasf 2,399 nasf 

School of Agriculture & Natural Res. 1,717 nasf 0 nasf 

Plant Sciences (to CANR) 1,717 nasf 0 nasf 

Other/Unassigned 1,648 nasf 0 nasf 

New central gallery space 

Equal Opportunity 

Program [E.O.P.] 

L00 


Mechanical 

New toilets 

Alumni 

Hall 

Frisbie 

Old Gym Hall 

Home 

Economics 

Hall 

ALBANY AVE 

39



November 2011 

1B RENOVATE AND EXPAND CURTIS MOTT TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURAL 

ENGINEERING 

The purpose of this initiative is to: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Create a centralized Information & Technology Commons 

Revitalize the Upper Quad 

Create available space in Van Wagenen to expand library 

functions 

Provide new instructional space for Computer Technology 

Improve appearance and functioning of Alumni Hall 

As part of this effort, Alumni Hall is to undergo a full interior demolition, 

replate and fit-out, with an addition on the back (west) side of the building. 

Features of this initiative include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Demolition of all interiors and significant amounts of the internal 

structure 

All new mechanical 

Waterproofing of the foundation and lower level of the building 

New secondary egress stair and elevator for ADA compliance 

Restoration of the north, east and south exterior façades, including 

historically appropriate glazing and roof cornice details 

Reconstruction of entry from Upper Quad with columns (similar 

to existing) and vestibule 

Replacement of existing roof with a new slate roof 

Three-story addition on back (west) side of building which houses 

a mixture of class lab, learning commons and office space, this 

includes the partial demolition of the building’s west façade 

Elevator overrun is to be housed within the attic space 

The addition to this building is on a slope at the back of Alumni Hall, and 

the expanded portion of the lower level is completely out of the ground. It 

is anticipated that much of the middle level is an open learning commons 

and used to support the CASE program. The upper and lower floors 

would principally be computer class labs, many utilized for student and 

faculty software development. 

Graphic K10 

Typical Case-Methods Classroom 

Curtis Mott contains the department of Agricultural Engineering in its 

entirety. Like many buildings on campus, Curtis Mott was constructed in the 

mid-1960s and is in need of an upgrade—particularly of its mechanical 

systems, which are insufficient to provide the necessary ventilation for 

contemporary agricultural engineering labs. Air conditioning is also 

needed in many of the laboratories as their use extends beyond the school 

year into the summer months. 

In addition to mechanical issues, the size of the laboratories in Curtis Mott 

limits the type of heavy equipment that the School is able to accommodate. 

SUNY Cobleskill has had the opportunity to borrow state-of-the-art new 

equipment from major agricultural machinery manufacturers such as 

John Deere—however, it is the responsibility of the College to safeguard 

valuable on-loan equipment and provide protection from vandalism and 

extreme weather conditions. Therefore, large engineering laboratories 

with proper ventilation are essential to the advancement of Agricultural 

Engineering at SUNY Cobleskill. 

Table K4 

No. 015 Curtis Mott 2009 Per FMP 

33,414 nasf 44,552 nasf 

Administration (SANR Dean to CANR) 1,847 nasf 0 nasf 

Ag Engineering 28,076 nasf 21,807 nasf 

Ag Engineering - Sponsored Space 0 nasf 12,201 nasf 

High-Bay Class Lab 0 nasf 6,277 nasf 

John Deere 0 nasf 5,924 nasf 

Animal Science (to CANR) 108 nasf 0 nasf 

General Instruction 3,383 nasf 7,492 nasf 

Case-Study Methods Classroom 

(65 seats) 

0 nasf 2,437 nasf 

Other 3,383 nasf 5,055 nasf 

Collaboration 0 nasf 3,052 nasf 

Other 0 nasf 0 nasf 

Graphic K11 

Typical Collaboration Space 

40


November 2011 


K 

In light of these issues, a significant renovation is provided for Curtis 

Mott in conjunction with two targeted additions which include additional 

departmental support, high-bay class lab space, equipment storage, 

and a case-method classroom. Existing classrooms, laboratories, and 

circulation are realigned, and a portion of space currently devoted to 

locker rooms and showers is captured as assignable space. 

• 

• 

• 

Improve classrooms and departmental support 

Provide adequate and sufficient laboratory space for Agricultural 

Engineering 

Provide integrated collaboration space for informal student/ 

faculty interaction 

Central to this initiative are four major program components: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

New case-study methods classroom for 65 and associated prefunction/collaboration 

space to provide the School and College 

with a powerful new instructional tool 

New faculty offices and collaboration space utilizing a new glass 

gallery that fronts the proposed Lower Quad (the offices would 

have borrowed light from the collaboration spaces 

New classrooms/light class labs that pair with the high-bay 

equipment class lab spaces; these spaces would have windows 

allowing them to support recitation for the high-bay labs which 

could be screened when independent use is desired 

New sponsored high-bay equipment class lab with ceilingmounted 

gantry crane 


• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Demolition and replacement of the northeast corner of Curtis 

Mott with the case-study methods classroom 

Demolition of existing locker and toilet rooms 


Relocation of all basement mechanical to either the ground floor 

or roof 

Reorganized internal circulation to reduce redundancy; includes 

a new linear skylight that runs the length of the building to bring 

natural light into the deep floor plate 

Access route for equipment 

to outdoor class labs 

Rebuilt service court and 

parking 

Ag. Engineering equipment 

class labs 

Ag. Engineering unloading / 

loading platform (existing) 

New simple skylights for 

natural illumination (typical) 

Class lab support space 

Sponsored Ag. Engineering / 

equipment class labs 

Faculty offices with borrowed 

light from gallery corridor 

Outdoor canopy and walkway 

Collaboration space in glass 

gallery with loose furniture 

and views of lower quad 

Gantry crane 

High bay garage doors 

Overhead cover 

L01 

John Deere sponsored 

Ag. Engineering lab 

Sheltered, non-climatized 

Color by Account Name 

Ag. Engineering storage with 

tall storage racks 

AG ENGINEERING 

AG ENGINEERING - SPONSERED SPACE 

COLLABORATION 



INSTRUCTION GENERAL 

Sponsored 22’-0” high General Instruction 

bay Ag. Engineering 

equipment class labs School with of Arts & Science 

simple skylights for natural School of Business 

illumination 



Partition / moveable wall 

President 


Collaboration space 

adjacent to classrooms and Administration 

labs with large windows to 


outdoors. Combination of 

Type 2 & 3 collaboration Student Affairs 

spaces 


Toilets, lockers and showers 

Other 


Classroom / light 

Outline 

labs 

of 

to 


support equip. class labs 

Windows between equip. 

class labs and classrooms 


adjacent to classrooms 

Windows between equip. 

class labs and classrooms 

Skylight to bring natural light 

into deep footprint building 

Classroom 

Ceiling mounted retractable 

learning wall 

New case-methods 

classroom 


with variety of seating (can 

also serve as pre-function 

space for case-methods 

classroom 

Graphic K12 

Curtis Mott per FMP - Upper 

Floor (at right) 






President 






Other 



Proposed 

Student Housing 

CANR 

Building 

Curtis Mott 

Child Care 

Center 

41



November 2011 

1C REALIGN HOME ECONOMICS HALL TO SUPPORT BUSINESS AND 

AG BUSINESS INSTRUCTION 

Graphic K13 

Home Economics Hall per FMP - 

Second Floor (at top) 

Graphic K14 


First Floor (at middle) 

Graphic K15 


Lower Floor (at bottom) 






President 






Other 



Library 

Alumni Hall 

Warner-Holmes 

Frisbie 

Old Gym Hall 

Home 

Economics 

Hall 

ALBANY AVE 

• 

• 

• 

• 


New skylights in the high-bay equipment labs to reduce need for 

daytime electric illumination 

New glass gallery and entry to front Lower Quad 

New projecting roof covers at entries to high-bay class labs for 

shelter 

New 65-seat tiered case-study seminar classroom with significant 

amounts of glazing to the adjacent wetlands and Lower Quad; 

includes ceiling-housed retractable learning wall 





President 






Other 



Home Economics Hall does not adequately support current methods of 

instruction, whether in general classrooms or class labs. The building is 

largely occupied by class labs for Fisheries and Wildlife, which will be 

relocated to the new Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources by 

2014. As part of the Upper Quad, Home Economics Hall is one of the 

oldest buildings on campus and in need of a significant renovation. 

This initiative involves repurposing the building to accommodate the upper 

level courses and specialty spaces for the School of Business’s Business 

& Accounting program and School of Agriculture & Natural Resource’s 

Agricultural Business program. This also includes supporting space for 

faculty offices and collaboration. These programs will continue to rely 

upon general instruction space for lower-level instruction in both Frisbie 

and Old Gym Halls. As part of this effort, Home Economics Hall is to 

undergo a full interior demolition and fit-out, with an addition on the 

back (east) side of the building. Features of this initiative include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Demolition of the lean-to like structures, associated cellars and 

access-ways on the back (east) side of the building 

Demolition of all interior stairs, and interior partitions 



New interior open stair that visually connects all three floors 

New secondary egress stair and elevator for ADA compliance 

Restoration of the north, west and south exterior façades, including 

historically appropriate glazing and roof cornice details 


to Alumni Hall) and vestibule 

Replacement of existing roof with a new slate roof 

3-story addition on back (east) side of building which houses a 

45-seat tiered case-study seminar classroom on each level, this 

includes the partial demolition of the building’s east façade 

Elevator overrun is to be housed within the attic space 

The addition to this building on the steep slope to the back of Home 

Economics Hall involves added complexity and cost. This is driven by 

necessary foundation and shoring work, as well as the demolition of 

the lean-tos, reinforcement of the existing foundations, and difficult 

construction logistics in accessing the site. Additionally the College has 


classroom 


faculty offices 


simulation class lab 

Egress point 


classroom 

Existing building 

entrance with new 

vestibule 

New open stair to 

visually connect 

building levels 


(Type 1) 

Business seminar 

room 

Mechanical space 




simulation class lab 

L02 

L01 

L00 

New toilets 

Egress point 

Case-study methods 

seminar classroom 

Skylight to bring 

natural light into 

gallery 

New toilets 


New elevator 



Open gallery area 


department offices 

Egress point 

New toilets 



Existing single-story 

structures to be 

demolished 

42


ART 

COLLABORATION 





ART 





November 2011 


K 

1D REALIGN OLD GYM HALL TO SUPPORT ART AND GENERAL 

INSTRUCTION 

identified that Home Economics Hall is in need of significant critical 

maintenance needs in the short-term. 

Table K5 

No. 003 Home Economics Hall 2009 Per FMP 


(Access Program to Frisbie) 

8,342 nasf 8,553 nasf 

795 nasf 0 nasf 

Business & Ag. Business 0 nasf 8,280 nasf 

Dean’s Office 0 nasf 630 nasf 

Case-Study Methods Seminar 

Classroom (45 seats) (3 at 1,110sf) 


Simulation Labs (2 at 920sf) 0 nasf 1,840 nasf 

Other 0 nasf 2,480 nasf 



Fisheries & Wildlife (to CANR) 5,099 nasf 0 nasf 


Table K6 

No. 004 Old Gym Hall 2009 Per FMP 

9,946 nasf 8,802 nasf 


Agricultural Business (to Home Ec) 403 nasf 0 nasf 

Animal Science (to CANR) 689 nasf 0 nasf 

Fisheries & Wildlife (to CANR) 365 nasf 0 nasf 

Plant Science (to CANR) 2,301 nasf 0 nasf 

School of Liberal Arts & Sciences 4,748 nasf 6,321 nasf 

Art Studio (1 at 2,017 nasf / 1 at 

1,159 nasf) 

3,748 nasf 3,176 nasf 

Graphic Arts Studio 0 nasf 640 nasf 

Landscape Studio 0 nasf 1,294 nasf 




Other/Unassigned 213 nasf 0 nasf 

Old Gym Hall is to be realigned to more effectively support the creative 

arts through co-location and expansion of supporting spaces. Like the 

rest of the Upper Quad, Old Gym Hall was constructed in the early 

1900s and is in need of a significant renovation despite the addition of 

an elevator and egress tower. 

This initiative involves partially repurposing the building to accommodate 

an array of the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences’ creative arts programs, 

including general art, graphic design, and landscape design. This also 

includes supporting space for faculty offices and collaboration. The 

building will also include space for general instruction. 

As part of this effort, Old Gym Hall is to undergo a full interior demolition 

and fit-out. Features of this initiative include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Demolition of all interior stairs and most interior partitions 



Restoration exterior façades, including historically appropriate 

glazing, roof cornice, and cupola details 


to Frisbie Hall) and vestibule 

Renovation of art studio space on upper level 

Introduction of roof skylights for additional natural illumination 

of upper level 

Introduction of graphic and landscape design studios on lower 

level 

Introduction of collaboration and general instruction classrooms 

on main level 

No significant construction challenges are anticipated beyond meeting 

State Historic Preservation Office [SHPO] guidelines, and the roof was 

recently replaced. 

Existing Elevator 

Open stair with 

collaboration 

space (Type 1) 

School of Liberal 

Arts & Sciences 


ADA lift 

Existing elevator 

General instruction 

classrooms 

New bay window with 

collaboration space 

(Type 1); allows views 

through building to 

mountains beyond 

Mechanical 

Landscape design 

studios 

New lower building 

entrance 

L02 

L01 

L00 

Large art studio 

(open to roof 

trusses w/ new 

skylights) 

Existing stair 

refurbished 

Renovated toilets 

Art studios 



School School of Liberal of Business Arts 

& Sciences faculty 


offices 


President 







Other 


Outline Open of New stair Construction to 

visually connect 

building’s levels 

School of Liberal 

Arts & Sciences 


Mechanical 


Graphic design 

studios 

Graphic K16 

Old Gym Hall per FMP - Upper 


Graphic K17 

Old Gym Hall per FMP - Main 


Graphic K18 

Old Gym Hall per FMP - Lower 







President 






Other 



Library 

Alumni Hall 

Warner-Holmes 

Frisbie 

Old Gym Hall 

Home 

Economics 

Hall 

ALBANY AVE 

43




FOOD SERVICE 

FOOD SERVICE - DINING 



CULINARY & TRAVEL 



FOOD SERVICE - COMMISSARY 



November 2011 

1E REALIGN PRENTICE HALL AND PROVIDE NEW ADDITION TO 

SUPPORT CONSOLIDATED CULINARY ARTS 


Egress stair 

Existing Prentice enclosure 

system is replaced 

struction 

Science 

usiness 

ulture & 

esources 

resident 

ncement 

istration 

ic Affairs 

t Affairs 

Services 

Other 

uilding 

truction 

Graphic K19 

Prentice Hall per FMP - Upper 


Graphic K20 

Prentice Hall per FMP - Main 


Graphic K21 

Prentice Hall per FMP - Lower 







President 






Other 



Culinary Arts, a growing degree program offered through the School of 

Business, is currently split between Champlin Hall and Prentice Hall. The 

FMP proposes the consolidation and expansion of Culinary Arts within a 

renovated and expanded Prentice Hall. Spaces dedicated to Culinary Arts 

will include teaching laboratories, classrooms and departmental support 

space. Culinary Arts will occupy the entire second floor of both Prentice 

Hall and the new addition. Significant program components include: 

• 

• 

• 

Food prep studio theater – a tiered lecture environment with a 

kitchen as the learning well/wall 

A 45-seat case-study method seminar classroom 

A 75-seat revisioned American Heritage restaurant that has 

greater visual prominence to Route 7, visitor parking, and also 

functions as the College’s private dining space 

As part of this effort, Prentice Hall is to undergo a significant interior 

demolition and fit-out, as well as an expansion that doubles its size. 


• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Demolition of most interior partitions, and the relocation of the 

existing food service space from the upper level to the middle 

level 


New interior open stair that visually connects all three floors 

New egress stairs 

Refurbished passenger elevator and new freight elevator 

New exteriors with extensive glazing facing the Middle Quad, 

pedestrian spine, and Route 7 

Reconstruction of entries from Middle Quad with new vestibules 

New covered and internal loading/deliveries bay 

New freight elevator 

American Heritage and private dining 

space with seating for 75; takes 

advantage of views up and down 

valley and is visible from Route 7 

Culinary Arts class labs, support, and 

kitchen / food prep areas for American 

Heritage and private dining space 

Open stair & atrium 


New CAS kitchen 

New dining area 

Mechanical 


Open stair 

New lobby 


L02 

CAS offices 

L01 

Freight entry 


Culinary Arts food studio 

theater 

Existing elevator refurbished 

Culinary Arts classroom 

Culinary Arts offices 


Dining room seating 


Dining room seating 

“Unlimited” food plan servery 

Glass enclosure brought closer 

to building edge to reduce 

unoccupied “shadow space” 


Mechanical 

ROUTE 7 

ALBANY AVE 

Prentice 

Vroman 

This initiative is to be completed at the same time as the expansion of 

student activity space in the remainder of Prentice Hall. 

Building entrance 

Enclosed and partially 

climatized loading / 

service dock 

Existing commissary with 

equipment upgrade 

Draper 

Knapp 

Bouck 

Culinary Arts classroom 

Existing foundation wall 

Open stair 

L00 

44


November 2011 


K 

1F UPGRADE GENERAL CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS-WIDE 

Table K7 

No. 032 Prentice Hall 2009 Per FMP 


(Advancement Call Center provided for 

in non-dedicated activity space in New 

Student & Community Center) 

19,308 nasf 38,528 nasf 

1,627 nasf 0 nasf 

Food Service 13,101 nasf 24,095 nasf 

Commissary 5,515 nasf 10,082 nasf 

Dining (400 seats) 4,542 nasf 9,592 nasf 

Servery 1,105 nasf 1,862 nasf 

Kitchen 1,384 nasf 1,788 nasf 

Other 555 nasf 771 nasf 

Culinary Arts, Hospitality & Tourism 4,580 nasf 13,646 nasf 

American Heritage (75 seats) 1,312 nasf 1,908 nasf 

Food Studio Theater 0 nasf 1,561 nasf 

Classrooms 0 nasf 3,898 nasf 

Class Labs 925 nasf 1,697 nasf 



Other/Unassigned 0 nasf 0 nasf 

The FMP proposes a campus-wide upgrade of general classrooms to 

support technology-enhanced instruction. This is to be completed over 

four summers and is an interim step that brings instructional spaces to 

contemporary standards well in advance of when the campus can be 

fully renovated. This project involves the addition of (IDF) data closets as 

needed, cable trays, wi-fi, and in-classroom multimedia capabilities (such 

as computers, wireless support, ceiling mounted projectors, and zoned 

lighting to support audio-visual projections). 

This initiative includes right-sizing and renovation of existing classrooms 

where feasible and appropriate (refer to Table C1). 

Rendering of Rebuilt Albany 

Avenue Concourse between 

Prentice and the Student & 

Community Center 

45

BUILDINGS-ST 



November 2011 

COLOR BY ACCO 

CUSTODIAL S 

CUSTODIAL S 

1G RENOVATE WARNER-HOLMES TO SUPPORT NEW AND EXISTING 

PROGRAMS 

HUMANITIES 

IT 

SOCIAL SCIEN 

Graphic K22 

Warner-Holmes per FMP - 

Lower Floor 






President 






Other 



ALBANY AVE 

Warner-Holmes 

Warner-Holmes is comprised of two separate structures that are connected 

on the second level by an enclosed elevated walkway. The building is 

largely made up of Campus IT and the School of Business on one side, and 

Early Childhood Education on the other. While the building is generally 

General suitable Instruction for its purpose, it is in need of a medium-level renovation. The 

final FMP proposes a medium-level renovation of Warner-Holmes with 


the building being devoted primarily to Early Childhood Education and 


Humanities/Social Sciences. Other programmatic changes include: 



President • Computer Technology instruction relocated to Alumni Hall 

Institutional • Advancement International Education located in Warner-Holmes 

Administration • Satellite café with double-height space added to Warner- 

Academic Affairs Holmes 


Table K8 


No. 005 Warner-Holmes 

Other 

2009 Per FMP 


33,070 nasf 32,166 nasf 

Outline Campus of New IT Construction 

5,709 nasf 5,709 nasf 

School of Arts & Sciences 9,398 nasf 22,097 nasf 

Early Childhood Education 8,877 nasf 8,413 nasf 

Humanities 521 nasf 8,286 nasf 

Social Sciences 0 nasf 5,398 nasf 

School of Business 3,993 nasf 0 nasf 

Business & Accounting (to Home Ec) 1,657 nasf 0 nasf 

Computer Technology (to Alumni) 2,336 nasf 0 nasf 

Dean’s Office (to Home Ec) 744 nasf 0 nasf 



Food Service 950 nasf 1,708 nasf 



classrooms 

Existing egress stair 



classrooms 

Existing main server 

location to remain 

ITS 

New toilets 

L00 

(HOLMES HALL) 


Existing stair 

Existing elevator to be 

refurbished 

Campus Information 

Technology Services (ITS) to 

remain, with appropriate 

equipment upgrades 

Wieting 

Van 

Wagenen 

Frisbie 

46


November 2011 


K 





EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 

FOOD SERVICE 

FOOD SERVICE - DINING 

HUMANITIES 


Re-aligned and straightened 

corridor 

New toilets 



Graphic K23 

Warner-Holmes per FMP - Main 

Floor 


Social Science and 

Humanities classrooms 


Existing lecture hall to be 

modernized with reduced 

seat count 





President 





President 














Main entrances 

Other 


Other 




Cafe food prep area 

Cafe seating (open to 

corridors) in double-height 

space with expanded glazing 

to outdoors with adjacent 

outdoor seating 

L01 

Outdoor playground 

Early Childhood Dev. with 

minor renovations 

ALBANY AVE 

Warner-Holmes 

Wieting 

Van 

Wagenen 

Frisbie 

47



November 2011 



COLLABORATION 



EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION 

HUMANITIES 


SOCIAL SCIENCES 

Graphic K24 

Warner-Holmes per FMP - 

Upper Floor 




New toilets 

Collaboration space, open to 

cafe below (Type 1) 

Open to cafe below 








President 






President 





Bridge between Warner (top) 

and Holmes (bottom) Halls with 

replaced glazing 

Corridor open to cafe below 






Other 


Other 

Existing Early Childhood class 

labs with minor renovations 

L02 






ALBANY AVE 

Warner-Holmes 

Wieting 

Van 

Wagenen 

Frisbie 

48


November 2011 


K 

ACADEMIC (FARM) INITIATIVES 

Bouck Hall 

1H PROVIDE NEW EQUINE ARENA 

For equestrian use, a covered arena is provided to replace the covered 

ring at the lower facility. The new Equine Arena will be located adjacent 

to the existing Arena Center. 

1I PROVIDE NEW COVERALL STRUCTURE WITH ROUND PENS 

For equestrian use, a simple steel-frame with stretched fabric coverall 

structure is provided adjacent to the existing Horse Stalls (Hangar 

Building). Two round pens accompanied by observation areas (for up to 

25 people) are also provided. 

1M PROVIDE NEW CLASS LAB FACILITY AT LOWER QUAD 

To support farm and livestock-related instruction, a new classroom facility 

to accommodate up to 24 students is provided at the lower facility near 

the Equine Training Center. The facility will also include offices, storage 

space, and toilets. The classroom will be equipped with a garage door to 

the exterior to accommodate large animals. Durable interior finishes will 

allow the classroom to be “sprayed down” as needed. 

1N REPLACE EXISTING HAY STORAGE STRUCTURE 

A simple steel frame structure is provided for hay storage. 

1J NOT USED 

1K PROVIDE EXERCISER FACILITY FOR EQUINE USE 

Located adjacent to the existing Arena Center, a new covered exerciser 

(60’ diameter) is provided for equestrian use. 

1O PROVIDE NEW LIVESTOCK BUILDING TO REPLACE FARM/HORT. 

MACHINERY STRUCTURE 

This initiative provides a new livestock building near the new livestock 

class lab facility (1M) to replace the existing Farm/Horticulture Machinery 

building that will be demolished with the construction of the new student 

dormitories adjacent to Curtis Mott. 

1L RENOVATE HORSE STALLS (HANGAR BUILDING) 

The final FMP proposes to renovate the existing Horse Stalls (Hangar 

Building) and repurpose a portion of the space to support phantom/ 

breeding activities for equestrian instruction. 

49



November 2011 

GROUP 2 – SHARED INITIATIVES 

2A RENOVATE AND CONTEMPORIZE BOUCK HALL 

As part of the final FMP, Bouck Hall receives low- and medium-level 

renovations of its health and physical education spaces (with the exception 

of the gymnasium), athletic support spaces, and theater. Basement space 

in Bouck is repurposed to support campus printing services. 

• 

• 

• 

Repurposing of “multi-purpose” room as recreation space for 

intramural sports 

Addition of new enclosed glass pedestrian gallery 

Construction of skylights to allow natural light into the building 

This initiative includes: 

• Replacement of building mechanical systems 

• Refreshment of interior finishes 

• Repurposing of space on the basement floor to support printing 

services 

The new addition will be a striking 18’ -high enclosed glass gallery with new 

escalators and refurbished elevators. The pedestrian gallery will laminate 

the northwest face of Bouck Hall, defining one edge of the Middle Quad. 

In addition to providing new student activity and collaboration space, 

the gallery will provide climatized, ADA-compliant access across a major 

portion of the campus. 

Rendering of Middle 

Quad and new glass front of 

Bouck Gallery Addition 

50





RECREATION & FITNESS 


November 2011 


K 

Table K9 

No. 014, 014a, 014b Bouck Hall 2009 Per FMP 

75,314 nasf 74,047 nasf 

Graphic K25 

Bouck Hall per FMP - 

Lower Floor 

Assembly & Exhibition (Auditorium) 13,454 nasf 5,089 nasf 

Auditorium 5,089 nasf 5,089 nasf 

Ballroom (to New Student & 

Community Center) 


Food Service (Sandella’s) (eliminated) 1,230 nasf 0 nasf 

Intercollegiate Athletics 28,256 nasf 27,037 nasf 

Athlete’s Lounge 520 nasf 520 nasf 

Varsity Gymnasium 13,067 nasf 13,067 nasf 

Athletic Team Offices 2,401 nasf 4,404 nasf 

Varsity Lockers / Showers 5,907 nasf 7,896 nasf 

Other 6.361 nasf 1,150 nasf 

Recreation & Fitness 14,249 nasf 30,371 nasf 

Bowling 2,835 nasf 2,835 nasf 

Cardio & Weight Training 0 nasf 4,319 nasf 

Mech. / Storage 






President 






Other 








President 






Other 



Group Fitness Studio 0 nasf 4,828 nasf 

Multipurpose Room 1,979 nasf 0 nasf 

Recreational Gymnasium 0 nasf 8,365 nasf 

Toilets 

Ballroom storage converted to 

recreational storage 

Pool and Lockers 10,024 nasf 10,024 nasf 

Other 1,390 nasf 0 nasf 

Lower entry from Knapp Plaza 

School of Arts & Sciences 0 nasf 3,586 nasf 

Sport, Movement & Exercise 0 nasf 3,586 nasf 

Existing lower lobby 

Student Activities (significant amounts of 

activity space moved to New Student & 

Community Center) 

13,360 nasf 7,964 nasf 


Bookstore 5,666 nasf 0 nasf 

Mailroom 1,168 nasf 0 nasf 

Student Life Center 1,788 nasf 0 nasf 

Student Lounge (New Middle Quad 

Lounge) 


Part-time ballroom converted to 

full-time recreational gym with 

minor renovations 

L00 

Prentice 

Knapp 

Bouck Hall 

Wheeler 

Student Lounge (Tiger’s Den) 1,301 nasf 0 nasf 

Other 3,437 nasf 0 nasf 


51





INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS 




November 2011 

Graphic K26 


First Floor 






President 






Other 








New Bouck glass gallery with 

steps, ramps and landings that 

move up slope of existing quad 

to create an enclosed connection 

between the two main floors of 

Bouck, simplifying wayfinding, 

improving building performance 

and activating the campus 

Non-parallel walls to promote 

conversation 

New entry vestibule at west end 

of Middle Quad 

Entry vestibule 

President 

Glass partition with curtains to 

Institutional Advancement allow for visibility into fitness 

studio; this space can also 


double as a multi-purpose room 

Academic Affairs as it has high visibility to the 

Bouck gallery; studio should 


have warm spectrum lighting 


Other 

Health and Wellness studios 


(yoga, pilates, etc.) 


Glass storefront enclosure system 

with high visibility to Middle Quad; 

gallery height is approx. 24’ at this 

location 

Existing locker rooms demolished 

and rebuilt with new lockers, toilets 

and showers, including all new 

mechanical systems 

Renovated and expanded 

mechanical systems and space 

Though not included on these 

plans, an open stair and/or visual 

connection to the above floor and 

upper portion of Bouck gallery may 

be desirable for access to natural 

light and as a source of activation 

Existing bowling alley to remain 

with modest renovations to 

contemporize the space 

Existing toilets renovated 

Storage 

Storage space below auditorium 

Athlete’s lounge with glass partition 

to corridor; can also function 

as a team meeting room or 

collaboration space (Type 3) 

Toilets and lockers 

Expanded corridor with skylight 

to bring natural light deep into 

building 

Existing elevator to be refurbished 

Varsity locker rooms 

New athletic team offices 

Entrance to fitness studio 

Re-landscaped service court 


Finishes in natatorium improved 

New corridor for athlete access 

to varsity locker rooms 

Natatorium lockers are in good 

condition and to remain 

Prentice 


L01 

Knapp 

Bouck Hall 


Existing pool to be re-lined and 

natatorium to be re-tiled 

52


ASSEMBLY & EXHIBITION 





LOUNGE 


SPORT, MOVEMENT & EXERCISE 


November 2011 


K 

Glass and screen partition 

for visual connection 

between lounge, gallery and 

Middle Quad 

New vestibule with connection to 

Middle Quad 

Existing gym to receive minor 

renovations 

Lobby to be expanded with 

skylight to allow natural 

light deep into building 

Collaboration seating; nonparallel 

walls to encourage 

conversation 

New Bouck glass gallery with 

steps, ramps and landings; 

glass storefront enclosure 

Existing auditorium finishes 

to be renovated 


Graphic K27 


Second Floor 


Lower portion of glass gallery 

below 


Glass and screen partition for 

visual connection between studio, 

gallery and quad; studio should 

have warm spectrum lighting to 

avoid “cold” appearance 





President 







President 



Weight training studio 

Stage 

Lockers 




Other 






Other 



Existing elevator to be 

refurbished 


Existing bridge 

Open to pool below 

Existing fitness center to be renovated 

as class labs for Sport, Movement & 

Exercise 

Prentice 

L02 

Knapp 

Bouck Hall 

53


ASSEMBLY & EXHIBITION 






November 2011 

New skylight to lobby below 

Graphic K28 


Mezzanine 






President 


School of Arts & New Science glass gallery with 

skylight below 




President 

Gymnasium below 

New skylight to corridor 

Expanded mechanical space 

Expanded screen of rooftop 

mechanical, coordinated with 

gymnasium roof elevation 






Other 







Library & Information Existing Services roof to be opened 

up for new skylight 

Other 



Auditorium below 

Prentice 

MEZZ. 

Roof below 

Knapp 

Bouck Hall 

54

COLOR BY COST 

1 

2 

3 

4 

6 

7 

COLOR BY COST 

1 

2 

3 

5 

6 

8 

COLOR BY COST 

1 

4 

6 

COLOR BY COST 

1 

8 


November 2011 


K 

Graphic K29 

Bouck Hall Sub-Project Initiatives 

Sub-Project 1 

Sub-Project 2 

Sub-Project 3 

Sub-Project 4 

Sub-Project 5 

Sub-Project 6 

Sub-Project 7 

Sub-Project 8 

Sub-Project 1 

Sub-Project 2 

Sub-Project 3 

Sub-Project 4 

Sub-Project 5 

Sub-Project 6 

Sub-Project 7 

Sub-Project 8 

L01 

MEZZ. 

L01 

L00 

55



November 2011 

2B PROVIDE NEW STUDENT & COMMUNITY CENTER 

Providing a new student activities building is the highest priority of the final 

FMP. The College currently lacks a student center of any kind and is in 

need of a space for students and faculty to congregate. The new Student 

& Community Center proposed by the FMP creates a natural center for the 

campus at the previous location of Beard Wellness Center and Brickyard 

Point, replacing the program of both demolished buildings and providing 

new space for other functions. While the Student & Community Center 

is proposed to be located on the east side of Route 7, it is positioned so 

as to be highly visible from both sides of the highway. A new pedestrian 

crossing at Route 7 is provided directly in line with the building, helping 

to unify the east and west sides of the campus. 

The Student & Community Center will require coordination with the 

College Crossing at Route 7 (4Ia and 4Ib), the reconfiguration of Albany 

Avenue (4X), as well as the Beard Wellness demolition. In particular 

the Beard Wellness Center cannot be vacated and demolished until the 

Wellness Center is relocated into its new home in the Student & Community 

Center. 

Rendering of 

College Crossing of Route 7 and 

Student & Community Center 

56


November 2011 


K 





MEDICAL 

MERCHANDISING 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES 

The Student & Community Center will combine existing and new 

programmatic elements, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Table K10 

Offices and support spaces (including meeting/conference 

rooms) for the Student Government [SGA], Council for Student 

Activities [CSA] and Student Life Office 

Food court-style dining to accommodate 275 persons 

Event space/multi-purpose room with adjacent catering kitchen 

and breakout rooms 

Game room (pool, foosball, etc.) and media-equipped gaming 

room (TV, video games, etc.) 

Dance studio 

College Store with offices and storage space 

Lounge space 

Club meeting rooms and storage 

Art gallery 

Wellness Center (with separate entrance) 

Student & Community Center 2009 Per FMP 

n/a 

29,639 nasf 

Assembly & Exhibition n/a 7,670 nasf 

Multi-Purpose Room (from Bouck) n/a 6,849 nasf 

Other n/a 821 nasf 

Wellness Center (from Beard) n/a 3,480 nasf 

Food Service (from Champlin) n/a 7,991 nasf 

Collaboration n/a 201 nasf 

Student Activities (from Bouck) n/a 4,480 nasf 

Dance Studio n/a 745 nasf 

Game Room n/a 415 nasf 

Student Clubs n/a 2,419 nasf 

Student Government n/a 520 nasf 

Other n/a 381 nasf 

College Store (from Bouck) n/a 5,817 nasf 

Other/Unassigned n/a 0 nasf 

Footprint of Student & 

Community Center above 

Waterproof foundation wall 

Passenger elevators 

Freight elevator 

Main mechanical space 

College Store retail and 

support areas; fit-out by 

Campus Auxiliary Services 

All exterior systems within 

4’ of grade level need to 

be flood-resistant, including 

door systems; floor drains 

need to have back-flow 

preventers 

Storefront glazing for display 

and activation of College 

Yard open space 

Feature / signage wall 

(UNEXCAVATED) 

L00 

Entry canopy approx. 

45’ above 

Vestibule / building entrance 

Outline of existing Porter 

Hall, to be demolished 


Footprint of existing Beard 

Wellness Center, 

School 

to 

of 

be 

Arts & Science 

demolished School of Business 


Dance / movement 

Natural 

studio 

Resources 

President 


Game room 




Health Center with separate, 

private entrance 

Lobby with open stair in 

3-story atrium with visual 

connection between Route 7 

and College Yard 


Other 



Storefront glazing for 

activation of College Yard 

Outline of existing Brickyard 

Point, to be demolished 

Graphic K30 


per FMP - Lower Floor 






President 






Other 

Parsons 



ALBANY AVE 

Student & 

Community 

Center 

College 

Yard 

ROUTE 7 

Dix 

Pearson 

57



November 2011 

Graphic K31 


per FMP - First Floor (at left) 

Graphic K32 


per FMP - Second Floor (at right) 


ASSEMBLY/EXHIBITION 




FOOD SERVICE 

FOOD SERVICE - SEATING 

LOUNGE 

STUDENT CLUBS 


ASSEMBLY/EXHIBITIO 

ASSEMBLY/EXHIBITIO 

BUILDINGS-STRUCTUR 



Glass storefront 

enclosure system 

Vestibule / main building 

entrance 

Food court-style dining 

Kitchen and food courtstyle 

servery 


with high visibility to Route 

7 (wall continues through 

building to other side) 

Entry canopy approx. 30’ 

above grade level 

Glass wall 

Large windows 

Student club activity and 

presentation room 


Student Government 

Egress stair 

Service corridor 

Terrace 

Entry canopy above 

Ballroom / multi-purpose 

room (divisible into three 

smaller areas) 

Glass wall 

Pre-function space and 

ballroom entry 

Egress point 

Storage 

Loading dock 

Egress point 

Egress stair 

Storage 

Toilets 

Vestibule / building entrance 

Stair 

Rooftop terrace 

Mech. 

Atrium with visual connection 

through building 

Glass storefront 

enclosure system with 

multiple connections to 

rooftop terrace 

Rooftop terrace 

Glass wall 

L01 

Atrium with visual 

connection through 

building 

Entry canopy 45’ 

above grade level 

(one level below) 

Student club work rooms 

Glass partition for visual 

connection and activation 

Student club resource center 

and reception 

Catering kitchen 

Toilets 

L02 

Glass wall 

Stair 

ALBANY AVE 

ROUTE 7 


Parsons 

Student & 

Community 

Center 

Dix 

College 

Yard 

Pearson 

58


November 2011 


K 

2C RENOVATE AND EXPAND PRENTICE HALL TO SUPPORT FOOD 

SERVICE 

Prentice Hall, one of the main campus dining facilities and also home to a 

portion of Culinary Arts, occupies a prominent site in the center of campus. 

However, the building falls short of its potential due to poor circulation 

and an outdated dining facility. In order for Prentice Hall to function 

successfully, it is essential that the building is reorganized and renovated 

to improve circulation, visibility, access, and overall appearance. 

Rendering of View from Prentice 

Hall over the Albany Avenue 

Concourse, Route 7, and the 

Lower Quad 

As part of this initiative, Prentice Hall receives a high-level renovation 

that involves a total interior demolition and fit-out and replacement 

of mechanical systems. Food service is expanded and integrated with 

high-energy collaboration space and a mixture of informal and cafétype 

seating, with a capacity of 400 seats in the main dining hall. This 

is to be the primary campus dining facility and provides buffet-style “allyou-care-to-eat” 

service. A fine dining venue (for evening and weekend 

service) and bakery are also provided in Prentice Hall. 

Culinary Arts is also consolidated in Prentice and the new addition, 

occupying the second floor of both buildings (refer to 1E - Realign Prentice 

Hall and Provide New Addition to Support Culinary Arts). 

59



COLLABORATION (TYPE 1) 




GENERAL LIBRARY 

LIBRARY ADMIN 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES 






GENERAL LIBRARY 

SCHOPEG 



November 2011 

2D RENOVATE VAN WAGENEN LIBRARY 

Collaboration rooms 

(Type 3) 

Classrooms 

Library stacks and 

Learning Commons 

Children’s collection 

Graphic K33 

Van Wagenen per FMP - 

Upper Floor 

Graphic K34 


Main Floor 

Graphic K35 


Lower Floor 






President 






Other 



Van Wagenen Library serves its purpose well and is highly utilized by 

SUNY Cobleskill students. However, the building’s interior is outdated and 

would benefit from an upgrade. As the building is currently undergoing 

a renovation that includes exterior, elevator, and mechanical systems 

upgrades, these elements will not need to be included in the scope of this 

initiative. Some interior upgrades are also underway; however, they are 

relatively minor. The final FMP proposes a medium-level renovation of all 

three floors. 

Table K11 

No. 011 Van Wagenen Library 2009 Per FMP 


School Administration 

of Arts & Science 

School (Instructional of Business Tech Center to Alumni) 

30,722 nasf 32,720 nasf 


School Center of Agriculture for Academic & Skills and 



President Excellence (to Alumni) 

Institutional Library Advancement 

18,722 nasf 31,197 nasf 

Administration Exhibition 0 nasf 2,000 nasf 

Academic Learning Affairs Commons 0 nasf 5,000 nasf 

Collaboration 



General Library 


18,722 nasf 15,197 nasf 

Other 

Administration 0 nasf 4,000 nasf 

Outline School of of Existing Liberal Building Arts & Sciences 4,606 nasf 0 nasf 

Outline Humanities of New Construction (to Warner-Holmes 

and Frisbie) 


Natural/Biological Sciences (to 

Wheeler) 


Schopeg TV Studio 802 nasf 802 nasf 

Library Cafe 721 nasf 721 nasf 

Toilets and elevator 

Stair 


(Type 3) 

Cleric work area 

Library offices 

Conference room 


Stair 




(Type 3) 

Staff room 

Conference room 

Special collections 

Library offices 

Seating 

Stair 



connect building levels 

Library staff lounge and 

offices 

Circulation area 

Library cafe 

Stair 

Toilets 




Schopeg TV Studio to remain 

as-is 

Stair 


Lower building entrance 

Stair 






60


November 2011 


K 

Rendering of Proposed Library 

Square with Upper Quad Beyond 

61



November 2011 

GROUP 3 – SUPPORT INITIATIVES 

GROUP 4 – OPEN SPACE INITIATIVES 

3A REORIENT STUDENT SERVICES TO INCREASE VISIBILITY OF AND 

ACCESSIBILITY TO KNAPP HALL 

Knapp Hall contains the bulk of administration functions at SUNY 

Cobleskill. Like many of the buildings on campus, Knapp was constructed 

in the late 1960s. However, unlike many of the other buildings on campus, 

Knapp recently received a major renovation and is in excellent condition 

(aside from the roof, which is replaced as part of this initiative). 

While the building is suitable for its function as an administration building, it 

has a distinct internal focus with no visual connection to campus circulation 

routes or its surrounding context. The final FMP proposes a medium-level 

renovation of the northwest wing of the building, replacing the existing 

enclosure with a new glazing system. This increased transparency will 

help to integrate Knapp Hall with adjacent open spaces and buildings 

and create a more welcoming appearance. 

3B UPGRADE SYSTEMS IN MACKEY SERVICE BUILDING 

Mackey Service Building contains a combination of facilities offices and 

various service workshops such as carpentry, painting, and plumbing. 

As mentioned in Section B of the Phase 3 report, the office portion of 

the building is poorly organized and is not suitable for its function. The 

workshops and garage also need to be upgraded and realigned with 

separate but adjoining spaces for each trade. The final FMP calls for a 

50% interior demolition of Mackey Service Building and an upgrade of 

existing mechanical systems. 

In summary: 

• 

• 

• 

The Mackey Service Building Complex provides service functions 

for the entire campus including shops, grounds maintenance 

and shipping and receiving. 

It is necessary to have adequate storage to service and protect 

campus maintenance and service equipment. 

It is necessary to provide adequate facilities for trades groups 

including grounds and shops, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, 

carpentry, and locksmith. 

3C PROVIDE BASIC UPGRADE OF WAREHOUSE 

This building is a component of what is known as the Mackey Service 

Complex. The final FMP proposes a medium-level renovation of the 

building systems to better support the campus’s storage and Facilities’ 

needs. 

3D RENOVATE PHYSICAL MAINTENANCE (PM) SHOP 

This building is part of the Mackey Service Complex. The final FMP 

proposes a medium-level renovation of the building and a replacement 

of the roof. 

3E PROVIDE NEW BUILDING TO SUPPORT UNIVERSITY POLICE 

DEPARTMENT AND WELCOME CENTER 

This initiative provides a new building dedicated to the University Police 

Department (UPD) and Welcome Center southeast of the Child Care 

Complex, adjacent to the W-Lot. This is an ideal location for the UPD 

as it is in close proximity to the main campus but removed from the 

center of activity. The Welcome Center is an important component of this 

initiative, providing a “front door” to the campus and greeting visitors 

with a positive first impression. 

Table K12 

UPD/Welcome Center 2009 Per FMP 

30,722 nasf 32,720 nasf 

University Police Department n/a 3,200 nasf 

Welcome Center n/a 800 nasf 

Note: Refer to Section L - Demolition for additional information. 

4A DEMOLISH EXISTING RYDER HALL 

Ryder Hall contains offices for Liberal Arts & Sciences. The building is in 

poor condition and will be demolished after being used as surge space. 

4B DEMOLISH EXISTING BRICKYARD POINT 

As part of the final FMP, Brickyard Point, the Student Activities building, 

is demolished. Student Activities from Brickyard Point are expanded and 

relocated to the Student & Community Center (2C). 

4C DEMOLISH EXISTING BEARD WELLNESS CENTER 

As part of the final FMP, Beard Wellness Center is demolished and Wellness 

is relocated to the Student & Community Center (2C). In particular The 

Beard Wellness Center cannot be vacated and demolished until the 

Wellness Center can be relocated into its new home in the Student & 

Community Center. 

4D DEMOLISH EXISTING PORTER HALL 

Porter Hall is a student dormitory that was constructed in the early 1970s. 

The final FMP proposes to demolish this building. 

4E DEMOLISH EXISTING CHAMPLIN HALL 

Champlin Hall contains campus dining and a portion of Culinary Arts. 

The final FMP proposes to demolish Champlin Hall, consolidating dining 

and Culinary Arts in Prentice Hall and the new addition to Prentice (2E). 

4F DEMOLISH EXISTING KNISKERN HOUSE 

An addition and renovation of Kniskern House is currently planned to 

accommodate the University Police (relocated from Johnson Hall). This is 

intended to be a temporary solution; the final FMP relocates the University 

Police Department (with a Visitor Center) to a new building after 2018, at 

which time Kniskern House is proposed to be demolished. 

62


November 2011 


K 

4I IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION ACROSS ROUTE 7 

4J IMPROVE OPEN SPACE QUALITY BY CREATING LANDSCAPED 

MIDDLE QUAD 

4K IMPROVE OPEN SPACE QUALITY BY CREATING LANDSCAPED 

LOWER QUAD 

Graphic K36 

Route 7 Crossing (at left) 

Graphic K37 

Middle Quad Landscape 

(at center) 

Graphic K38 

Lower Quad Landscape (at right) 

Note: Refer to Graphic K6 for the 

limits of open space initiatives. 

Large-scale detail landscape plans 

are available in section 1.53 of 

Appendix 1. 

The final FMP envisions a major intervention at the Route 7 pedestrian 

crossing. This initiative includes: 

• 

• 

• 

Construction of a 120,000 sf plaza with a grand staircase 

Paved walkways and ADA ramps connecting Prentice Hall and 

Prentice Hall Addition to the crossing at Route 7 

Street furniture, lighting, and plantings 

New York State Route 7 is a highway that bisects the campus from the 

northeast to southwest, splitting the campus into two disparate parts and 

creating safety, functional, and cultural challenges within the campus. For 

pedestrian safety, a crosswalk is developed at the Route 7 intersection. 

Traffic-calming strategies to improve safety at the crosswalk include: 

• 

• 

Reconfiguration of Route 7 to create a median at the crosswalk 

Creation of a curb extension on both sides of the highway at the 

crosswalk 

This initiative provides a renovation of the open space that is bordered by 

Wheeler, Bouck and Prentice Halls. The renovation includes: 

• 

• 

• 

Turf and plantings 

Paved walkways 

Street furniture and lighting 

The aim of this initiative is to: 

• 

• 

• 

Create an open turf area that provides safe outdoor space for 

passive and active recreation 

Provide opportunities for outdoor classrooms that integrate site 

hydrology 

Improve connection between adjacent buildings 

This initiative provides a renovation of the open space on the west side 

of the campus that is bordered by the Curtis Mott and the Center for 

Agriculture and Natural Resources [CANR]. The renovation includes: 

• 

• 

• 

Turf and plantings 

Paved walkways 



• 

• 

• 

Create an open turf area that provides safe outdoor space for 

passive and active recreation 

Provide opportunities for outdoor classrooms 

Improve connection between adjacent buildings 

While a cost estimate has been developed for the reconfiguration of 

Route 7, its cost has not been included in the FMP cost estimate as it 

will be funded by the New York State Department of Transportation. This 

initiative requires coordination with the New Student & Community Center 

(2C), Albany Avenue reconfiguration (4X), and requires significant lead 

time for advocacy and funding with NYSDOT. 

63



November 2011 

Rendering of Lower Quad with 

Center for Agriculture & Natural 

Resources Beyond 

64


November 2011 


K 

4L IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND OPEN SPACE QUALITY AT 

KNAPP HALL PLAZA 

Graphic K39 

Knapp Plaza (at left) 

Rendering of Knapp Plaza with 

Knapp Hall Beyond (at top right) 


• 

• 

• 

• 

Provide a positive first impression to prospective students and 

visitors 

Reconstruct existing paved walkways and plazas to improve 

campus accessibility and maintenance needs 

Provide accessible parking and routes for universal access to 

campus 

Provide street furniture, lighting and plantings, and event space 

that can host small groups of people 

Rendering of Knapp Plaza with 

Bouck Hall Beyond 

65



November 2011 

4M IMPROVE OPEN SPACE QUALITY BY PROVIDING NEW LIBRARY 

PLAZA 

4O IMPROVE OPEN SPACE QUALITY AND ACCESSIBILITY BY CREATING 

LANDSCAPED COLLEGE YARD 

4R PROVIDE ADDITIONAL GRAZING AND CROP LAND 

Graphic K40 

Library Plaza 

(at left) 

Graphic K41 

College Yard (at center) 

This initiative provides an allowance for the acquisition of approximately 

200-acres to support the School of Agriculture & Natural Resources. It is 

expected that the majority of this land will be for the production of livestock 

feed. Some of this need, however, is for additional pasture land in order for 

the College to meet confined animal feed operation [CAFO] guidelines. 

Such additional pasture acreage does not need to be contiguous and 

the College will support animal transport to non-contiguous locations. 

While the FMP only provided an allowance for 200-acres at the College’s 

request, the need is far in excess and the College could realistically utilize 

over 450-acres of additional land should funding become available. 

4S RECONSTRUCT PARKING LOT AT NEW EQUINE ARENA 

The final FMP proposes a new landscaped plaza adjacent to Van Wagenen 

Library. This initiative includes: 

• 

• 

• 

New plaza with walkways and ADA ramps 


Plantings 

This initiative provides a landscaped open space at the south end of the 

campus, between the new Student & Community Center and the F-Lot. The 

new College Yard will include paved walkways, plantings, and lighting, 

and will serve as an open space for the nearby dormitories. It will also 

create an attractive entrance to the Student & Community Center from the 

F-Lot parking area. 

The final FMP proposes a new Equestrian Arena to be located on the site 

of an existing parking lot (1I); this initiative provides a replacement for the 

existing parking lot. 

4T CONSTRUCT NEW PARKING LOT AT UPPER EQUINE FACILITY 

This initiative provides a new parking lot for trailers and RVs at the upper 

equine facility, adjacent to the existing Horse Stalls (Hangar Building). 

4N RECONSTRUCT SERVICE COMPLEX PARKING AND IMPROVE 

ADJACENT OPEN SPACE 

The aim of this initiative is to improve the parking lot, paving, and open 

spaces adjacent to the Mackey Service Complex. 

4P UPGRADE EXISTING WALKWAYS CAMPUS-WIDE 

This initiative provides an allowance for the demolition and replacement 

of sidewalks campus-wide to improve pedestrian circulation and ADA 

accessibility. Lighting and minor plantings are also included. 

4U PROVIDE STAIRWAY AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTION FROM 

BOUCK HALL TO NEW FIELDHOUSE 

This initiative provides a new staircase between Bouck Hall and the 

Fieldhouse. 

4Q PROVIDE TREE BUFFER ALONG ROUTE 7 

This initiative provides an allowance to plant trees along the east side of 

Route 7. 

4V UPGRADE PARKING LOTS CAMPUS-WIDE 

This initiative provides an allowance to replace and repair existing parking 

lots throughout the campus. 

66


November 2011 


K 

4W IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR SAFETY AT MAIN CAMPUS 

ENTRANCE 

4Y IMPROVE OPEN SPACE AND CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY BY 

RESTORING WETLANDS 

4DD 

RECONSTRUCT ALBANY AVENUE 


• Restore wetlands on the west side of Route 7 between Curtis Mott 

and the Child Care Complex to improve campus sustainability 

The final FMP proposes to reconstruct Albany Avenue, the road that forms 

a loop around the main campus. This initiative involves resurfacing of the 

entire roadway, the provision of new curbs and the repair/reconstruction 

of parking surfaces. 

Graphic K42 

Route 7 Roundabout and 

Campus Entrance 

As an added benefit, restored wetlands feature a greater biodiversity of 

flora and fauna that will be useful as part of an environmental outdoor 

classroom. 

4Z 

REPLACE EXISTING PARKING ALONG ALBANY AVENUE 

This initiative proposes to repair or replace existing parking along Albany 

Avenue. This will require retaining walls, sidewalks and stairs in certain 

locations near Home Economics Hall. 

This initiative proposes a reconfiguration of Route 7 to provide a traffic 

roundabout at the main campus entrance. The roundabout serves as a 

gateway to the campus for Route 7 traffic. The aim of this initiative is to: 

• 

• 

• 

Provide a new roundabout on Route 7 at the main campus 

entrance to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety 

Roundabout includes median strip to further enhance pedestrian 

safety 

Landscaped quality of the roundabout will create a gateway to 

the campus 

4X RECONFIGURE ALBANY AVENUE 

The final FMP proposes to reconfigure portions of the road to provide 

cul-de-sacs at the new Student & Community Center and Prentice Hall— 

without obstructing the flow of vehicular traffic. 

4AA 

PROVIDE NEW STADIUM TO SUPPORT ATHLETICS 

This initiative proposes a new stadium at the location of the existing 

athletic field adjacent to the tennis courts. 

4BB 

4CC 

NOT USED 

PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PARKING AT LOT F 

This initiative proposes to: 

• 

• 

Provide additional paved parking at Parking Lot F 

Restripe existing parking to garner a 5-6% increase in parking 

space density 

This project requires coordination with the New Student & Community 

Center, the College Crossing at Route 7 and the demolition of the Beard 

Wellness Center. 

67

L 

DEMOLITION 


November 2011 

L – DEMOLITION 

M – TECHNOLOGY 

Sculpture on the SUNY Cobleskill 

Campus 

The FMP proposes the demolition of select buildings that have exceeded 

their useful life expectancy, are in poor condition, requiring extensive 

renovations, and are programmatically not suitable for alternate services. 

It is important, where possible, to reduce substandard existing inventory 

of inadequate space as new space comes on-line. (Refer to page 62) 

The main technology spaces serving the campus in Warner-Holmes 

Hall and the Knapp Hall are neat and clean with proper labeling and 

identification in place. 

Recommendations to improve existing systems are as follows: 

The final FMP recommends the demolition of six of buildings: 

Ryder Hall is to be demolished and replaced by turf. The building is 

obsolete, not code compliant, is difficult to utilize and has significant 

building system issues. Given these concerns, the limited value of the 

building and the high cost to rehabilitate, Ryder Hall does not warrant 

renovation. Program is to be relocated to Frisbee Hall, Home Economics 

Hall and Warner-Holmes Hall. 

Brickyard Point is to be demolished. It is has significant building system 

concerns, does not have an elevator and its design makes it difficult to 

reprogram. Given these concerns and its prime location, Brickyard Point 

does not warrant renovation. The proposed Student & Community Center 

will be located on this site, and will house programming from Brickyard. 

Beard Wellness Center is to be demolished and replaced by turf. This 

building is of low utility and in need of significant repair. It is salvageable, 

but in a key location that is better utilized by a building that fronts Route 

7 and the Lower Quad. The building’s program is to be relocated to the 

Student & Community Center. 

Champlin Hall is to be demolished and replaced by turf. The upper level 

of the building is awkward and difficult to program, there are significant 

structural issues with some of the exterior walls, building systems are in 

significant need of repair and the dining and kitchen areas need to be 

significantly upgraded. While the building could be salvaged, it would be 

at a significant cost with little long-term value. Program is to be relocated 

to Prentice Hall and the new Student & Community Center. 

Porter Hall is to be demolished and replaced by turf. The building has 

significant system upgrade needs and is an undesirable and uncompetitive 

building design and housing-type for today’s prospective students. 

Program is to be relocated to new housing elsewhere on campus. 

Kniskern House is to be demolished and replaced by turf. The building 

is obsolete, not code compliant and in significant need of repair. Given 

these concerns, the limited value of the building and the high cost to 

rehabilitate, Kniskern House does not warrant renovation. Program is to 

be relocated to the new University Police building. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Commission a study to analyze and re-design the campus 

signal conduit and manhole system. Currently the system lacks 

physical route diversity and logical redundancy. In addition, a set 

of cables running between the North and South campuses were 

installed without the protection of a concrete-encased ductbank; 

this should be remedied at the same time as any conduit work 

is being performed. As more and more technologies converge 

and require use of the campus network backbone, the more 

important these issues become. The full extent of a conduit 

upgrade/replacement project is unknown at this time; all that is 

known is that inter-building distribution was flagged as a major 

concern during Phase II of this FMP. 

All existing inter- and intra-building 62.5 µm multimode fiber optic 

cable should be replaced with 50 µm laser optimized multimode 

cable [OM3 rated] which will support 10 Gbps network speeds 

up to a distance of 300 meters (almost 1,000 feet) with relatively 

low-cost emitters. If longer distances are required, then OM4 

rated multimode fiber optic cable should be installed (for cable 

pulls between 300 and 550 meters). A minimum of 24-strands 

should be installed between the Building Distribution Frame (BDF) 

and all IDFs in each respective building, to support the eventual 

upgrade path to 40 and 100 Gbps backbone speeds (i.e. 40 

Gbps requires 8 fiber strands and 100 Gbps requires 20 for fullduplex 

transmission). 

Standardize, then implement, a uniform structured cabling system 

labeling scheme for the campus. This will improve network 

troubleshooting and moves-adds-changes around campus. 

Document all existing Wireless Access Point [WAP] locations on 

a set of building floor plans for indoor WAPS, and campus-level 

plans for outdoor WAPs. Maintain updated plans as new WAPs 

are deployed. 

Increase the Wireless LAN [WLAN] coverage area to encompass 

100% of the campus, to support ubiquitous network connectivity. 

This should not require the deployment of a large number of 

WAPs, since the existing coverage area was described as “close 

to 100%” with the exception of some back-of-house areas. 

68


November 2011 

TECHNOLOGYM 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Replace the faulty backup CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioner) 

unit supporting the campus Data Center with a new unit. This 

will provide a reliable backup should the primary CRAC unit stop 

functioning for an extended period of time. 

Existing IDF Rooms located in hazardous (i.e. storage rooms, 

boiler rooms) and non-secured areas, should be protected in 

the best possible ways, such as constructing drywall partitions, 

moving equipment into locked cabinets, etc. 

Commence a study to assess the cost and risk to implement 

VoIP (Voice-over-IP) technology on campus. This is especially 

important due to the age of the existing copper inter-building 

cable and “failed pairs”. VoIP implementation may be required 

sooner than later. 

The campus should prepare for the eventual rollout of VoIP 

technology through the following actions: 

• Systematically installing UPS and emergency generator 

power feeds to all existing BDF and IDF Rooms that are 

lacking these services (most existing rooms are without 

both feeds). All new rooms should be automatically 

outfitted with these power feeds 

• Evaluating the current level of cooling available to all 

existing BDF and IDF rooms to determine if PoE enabled 

switches can be properly supported 

• All new buildings or renovated areas within existing 

buildings should be cabled with a minimum Category 6 

UTP cabling system. This will support data transmission 

up to 1 Gbps to all workstation devices, with full support 

for VoIP with PoE 

AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEMS 

Basic AV Systems 

The existing campus audio visual systems are in fair condition, but some 

upgrades are required for the technology in order to stay competitive 

and current with other Colleges. The basic flat classrooms and teaching 

laboratories should be upgraded as follows: 

• 

The campus has no dedicated Audio Visual support staff in place 

to assist and maintain the audio visual classroom systems, but 

rather leverages the existing IT support staff to fill the role in 

order to maintain the AV equipment. Therefore, the College 

should consider retaining a ‘Subject Matter Expert’ to enhance 

the quality of AV support. 

• 

• 

• 

There is currently no online information available about the 

audio visual systems scattered throughout the facility. A website 

designed as a ‘self-help’ tool to enable end-users to reserve and 

identify the required audio visual components of various rooms 

on the campus would help in this regard. 

The projection and audio systems in the classrooms and teaching 

laboratories are (in nearly all cases) not properly sized for the 

rooms that they are located within. This can be enhanced by 

upgrading the size and light output of the projectors and screens 

within the rooms; and through presentation consideration in 

room layout and furniture plans. 

The campus AV systems are not standardized nor are they 

interconnected in any way. This can be improved through 

networked AV devices and more uniformity between installed AV 

systems, as well as a shift to a more centralized repository for AV 

course content. 

Distance Learning Classrooms 

The SUNY Cobleskill campus currently has three functional Distance 

Learning Classrooms. The classrooms have been installed more recently 

than most of the other classroom audio visual systems on campus. These 

classrooms are currently utilized for some distance learning functions 

within the SUNY college system, and additionally for some distance 

learning functions and coursework with foreign affiliates. The rooms 

do not require immediate upgrades as they are utilized and functional, 

however: 

• 

• 

• 

The College should invest in more distance learning classrooms, 

as the current rooms seem fairly heavily utilized. This utilization 

should be expected to increase beyond the current capacity in 

the next few years. Distance learning can be leveraged as a 

marketing tool, a profit center, for archival purposes, and as a 

learning aid for students that may not be able to attend lectures. 

The layout of a dedicated distance learning classroom is best 

designed as a dedicated area, though that design would not 

preclude the classroom’s use for normal lectures and courses. 

Visibility and sound considerations are quite important in the 

design considerations. 

The distance learning system can be utilized to record lectures, 

as well as broadcast them to far-end users either live or as an 

archived recording that could be accessed via the internet. This 

internet access can be designed to require payment for access, 

and pay for itself over the life of the system. A robust network for 

video transport would be critical to support this endeavor. 

Enhanced Technology Classrooms 

Enhanced technology classrooms are designed with built-in multimedia 

and presentation capabilities. The campus currently does not have this 

room type available, though it would be possible to retrofit an existing 

room to enhance the user and learning experiences. This room type has 

many advantages over non-technology equipped rooms, in that they allow 

for much more engaging presentations; the instructor can utilize digital 

content which is much more flexible and engaging to the students. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

SECURITY 

There are many ways to provide a multimedia-enhanced 

classroom; as a basic requirement there should be a projector 

or projector(s) and projection screens appropriately sized for the 

room. 

Additionally, there should be an input to the projection system 

for the lecturer’s laptop or a dedicated room PC to be used to 

display course content. 

There should be an installed ‘voice-lift’ and program audio system 

for students at the back of the room to be able to adequately 

hear and remain engaged with the lecture. 

There should be an easy-to-use interface for the instructor to 

control the system, in order to prevent continuity interruptions. 

Robust network connectivity via a wireless or wired network would 

also enhance the student experience, as there is a trend towards 

students utilizing laptops for coursework. 

Security systems need to be expanded and better integrated to enhance 

the security of the campus in the future. Increased integration leads to 

better responsiveness, easier operations, and ultimately a safer campus. 

Particular challenges include expanding the CCTV system. The current 

distribution of cameras is spotty and a significant number of building 

entries/exit and campus locations are not covered. 

69

NGREENING 


November 2011 

N – GREENING 

SUNY Cobleskill has made substantial gains in providing a more 

sustainable and environmentally friendly campus environment. 

While the FMP is not a sustainability plan per se, there are many inherent 

elements that have a significant impact on SUNY Cobleskill’s ecological 

footprint. Some highlights include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Reducing Car Travel and Creating a More Walkable Campus 

The FMP provides building connections in all the master planning 

concepts dramatically reducing the outdoor cross-campus travel 

and creating a more pedestrian-friendly walking environment 

indoors. Over the course of the FMP process it was noted that 

some students and faculty will drive from one point on campus 

to another in an effort to avoid walking outdoors (especially in 

inclement weather). This results in unnecessary vehicle miles 

traveled. 

A Focus on Building Reuse 

A core principle of the FMP is to maximize the use of existing 

buildings and only suggest new construction when necessary. 

The construction of a building generates as much waste (from 

material harvesting, fabrication and assembly) as the volume 

of the building being built. By focusing on adaptively reusing 

buildings, such waste is avoided. 

Harnessing Building Renovation to Improve Performance 

Because the FMP foresees the extensive renovation of most campus 

facilities within the next 10-15 years, the FMP represents an 

outstanding opportunity to improve building system performance 

for the next 30 to 40 years. While the Fund and the campus must 

conform to Executive Order 111 and meet LEED Silver status, a 

commitment to push for LEED Gold could pay significant longterm 

operating dividends. 

Better Synergy Between Indoor and Outdoor Environments 

By creating a better connection between indoor and outdoor 

spaces (as well as improving the quality of outdoor spaces), the 

FMP creates the opportunity to reduce heating and cooling loads 

in spring and fall by opening spaces up to the change of seasons 

and the comfortable temperatures of those months. 

• 

Planting and Maintaining Native and Site Appropriate 

Vegetation 

The FMP also calls for a landscape master plan to coordinate 

the design of the anticipated amount of site improvements. As 

part of this work, maintenance-intensive vegetation and turf 

are to be mitigated with native and site appropriate plantings, 

groundcovers, and areas of no-mow or low-mow grass and 

herbaceous vegetation. 

Other sustainable initiatives for the College to consider are in areas 

of energy, water management, recycling and waste management, and 

transportation. 

ENERGY 

Survey & Meter Existing Usage 

Provide meters for all facilities to accurately monitor existing electrical, 

natural gas and water consumption. For a minor premium, the campus 

can elect to purchase green power for a portion of its energy usage. 

Equipment Upgrades & Cogeneration 

Ensure that all future equipment purchased and installed on campus meets 

minimum energy performance guidelines. Construct all new buildings 

with energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems. 

As the campus expands, the localized cogeneration (micro turbines) 

should be explored. Cogeneration involves the capture and reuse of heat 

generated in the on-site production of electricity (often through the use 

of natural gas). That heat is then used in heating and cooling systems. 

Cogeneration involves significant upfront capital cost, but can dramatically 

lower long term utility costs. Furthermore such efforts capitalize upon ongoing 

research being conducted at the College’s Center for Environmental 

Science & Research [CEST]. 

Renewable Solar Energy 

Consider installing photo voltaic or radiant solar panels to supplement 

hot water supply for the campus. 

Renewable Wind Energy 

Given the College’s extensive land holdings, some of which are hilltops 

to the north side of the valley, there is potential for wind turbines – though 

there has been notable opposition to such structures in the nearby Catskill 

Park. 

Geothermal Energy 

Many portions of the campus are appropriate for installing geothermal 

systems as an efficient way to provide heating and cooling for campus 

buildings. Using the relatively stable and moderate temperature of the 

ground that exists starting several feet below the surface, the ground can 

be used as an efficient heat source or sink to provide heating and cooling 

to buildings on the campus. A ground-source heat pump system would 

need to be a vertical well system in the denser areas of the campus, but 

where sufficient open space exists, there is an opportunity for a lessexpensive 

horizontal loop system. We recommend conducting thermal 

conductivity tests before designing vertical well systems. While the 

upfront cost is higher for a geothermal system than for other heating 

and cooling systems, the investment can provide long-term returns in 

reduced operating costs, especially if economic incentives are offered to 

the campus or energy prices rise. 

WATER 

Wastewater and Stormwater Management 

SUNY Cobleskill’s agricultural programs potentially generate a significant 

amount of agricultural waste and nutrient pollution from stormwater 

runoff. The College should obtain the services of civil engineer to design 

and implement enhanced best management practices and stormwater 

runoff control and treatment before it enters the Cobleskill Creek. The 

Nutrient Management Plan for the campus should receive regular review 

and updates to ensure the best available technologies and systems are 

being used and demonstrated to students and the community. 

The potential to incorporate algal turf scrubbers (ATS) should be considered 

due to their potential to feed back into the agricultural or bio-energy 

production programs on campus. 

70


November 2011 

GREENING 

N 

This approach should be coordinated with the various landscape and site 

infrastructure improvements which include: 

• 

• 

Incorporating “rain-garden” style drainage swales with plantings 

that are targeted for their bio-filtration capabilities as noted on 

each of the campus master plan concepts 

Use existing and/or expanded water features on campus 

for capturing and treating stormwater runoff before it enters 

waterways, and use the captured water for irrigation needs where 

appropriate 

Parking lots are another factor to be considered in the management of 

stormwater. The parking lots on the Cobleskill campus are large areas of 

impervious surface that generate significant amounts of runoff to Cobleskill 

Creek. Measures to improve stormwater infiltration should be incorporated 

into parking lots that are newly constructed or re-designed. While soils 

in the area of many of the existing parking lots are not highly suitable for 

infiltration based on USDA soils mapping, stormwater detention pools, 

subsurface infiltration galleries, grassed swales, infiltration planters, and 

tree wells can be incorporated between and around the rows of parking 

promote stormwater infiltration. Pervious pavement (asphalt, concrete, 

or pavers) are excellent at mitigating runoff from parking areas, but do 

require periodic maintenance to maintain their peak performance. While 

pervious materials generally require less maintenance during winter 

months than impervious materials, winter treatments need to be adjusted 

based on material type. Fine particles need to be removed from the 

pervious surfaces periodically with a vacuum sweeper truck (for large 

areas) or portable vacuum units for walkways, patios, and small areas. 

Enhanced infiltration measures that incorporate vegetation have the 

additional benefits of improving the aesthetics of the area and reducing 

heat island effects. 

Potable Water Conservation 

Evaluate existing potable water consumption. Develop a plan to reduce 

consumption through installing water conservation fixtures, recycling of 

rain water for landscape irrigation, and use of greywater for irrigation 

and toilet flushing. 

• 

• 

WASTE 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The College should set targets for reduction in water use and 

coordinate with implementation of the FMP 

Water faucets should incorporate automatic shut-offs toilets may 

be dual-flush (small flush and big flush options) or flushed with 

greywater, and urinals may be waterless 

The College should identify targets and reduce areas of 

unnecessary consumption 

Recycling Program: The College should provide adequate means 

for recycling bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. Containers 

should be clearly labeled and distributed campus-wide 

The use of hazardous materials in campus operations should be 

minimized. Where necessary for curriculum purposes, appropriate 

procedures for storage, handling, and waste disposal should 

be implemented and regularly reviewed for compliance and 

improvement. 

The Construction Fund and the Facilities Department should 

continue to monitor projects to ensure that design teams and 

contractors are following sustainable best-practices during 

construction to minimize construction waste. 

The College may divert a significant part of its waste stream from 

landfills to compost. The College already has an agricultural 

composting facility. Opportunities to expand the facility to 

include food waste from dining halls should be explored. Cornell 

University (http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/) and Green Mountain 

College, VT have similar programs that may serve as models. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Encourage a Non-automobile Culture 

Obtain the services of a traffic consultant to collect detailed vehicular 

occupancy data and design traffic demand management [TDM] strategies 

to expand upon the work done under the FMP and encourage a campus 

culture that prefers alternative modes of transportation including ride 

sharing, bicycling, and walking. 

ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT 

Calculate the College’s environmental footprint as part of the engineering 

and science curriculum. Develop an implementation plan to reduce the 

footprint including reduced green house gas emissions, carbon offsets, 

water conservation measures, pollution reduction, etc. 

FUNDING 

Develop a campus greening fund as part of student activities to support 

student initiatives to improve the sustainability of the campus. Initiatives 

can be created and voted on by students to receive funding resources. 

71

OSUMMARY OF 2023 NEEDS MET 


November 2011 

Graphic O1 

Year-by-Year GSF Supplied 

O – SUMMARY OF 2023 NEEDS MET 

800,000 nasf 

700,000 nasf 

600,000 nasf 

577,322 nasf 

500,000 nasf 

400,000 nasf 

Wheeler addition opens 


231 nasf/FTE 

220 nasf/FTE 

209 nasf/FTE 

578,408 nasf 

547,846 nasf 

479,538 nasf 

199 nasf/FTE 

451,984 nasf 

Wheeler reopens 

221 nasf/FTE 

550,842 nasf 

CANR opens 


565,921 nasf 

235 nasf/FTE 

574,301 nasf 

227 nasf/FTE 

546,204 nasf 

227 nasf/FTE 

553,246 nasf 

Old Gym reopens 

Classroom upgrade complete 

Equestrian expansion complete 

232 nasf/FTE 

580,763 nasf 

Coll Com Ctr opens 

Mackey reopens 

577,767 nasf 

247 nasf/FTE 

637,105 nasf 

245 nasf/FTE 

637,105 nasf 

245 nasf/FTE 

648,445 nasf 

227 nasf/FTE 

561,745 nasf 

221 nasf/FTE 

541,161 nasf 

300,000 nasf 

200,000 nasf 

114,271 nasf 

100,000 nasf 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

2019 

2020 

2021 

2022 

2023 

2024 

2025 

2026 

2027 

2028 

2029 

2030 

Alumni reopens 

Prentice and addition open 

223 nasf/FTE 

523,946 nasf 

Curtis-Mott reopens 

588,417 nasf 

227 nasf/FTE 

547,856 nasf 

Champlin demolished 

211 nasf/FTE 

498,936 nasf 

219 nasf/FTE 

Van Wagenen reopens 

237 nasf/FTE 

546,765 nasf 

635,339 nasf 

237 nasf/FTE 

635,339 nasf 

237 nasf/FTE 

635,339 nasf 

NASF 

NASF/FTE (adjusted for renovations) 

(adjusted for renovations) NASF Built or Renovated since 2000 

Total NASF Need 

231 nasf/FTE 

2,505 FTE 

220 nasf/FTE 

2,494 FTE 

225 nasf/FTE 

2,484 FTE 

215 nasf/FTE 

221 nasf/FTE 

243 nasf/FTE 

2,474 FTE 

2,496 FTE 

2,518 FTE 

113,812 nasf 

239 nasf/FTE 

2,539 FTE 

238 nasf/FTE 

2,561 FTE 

240 nasf/FTE 

249 nasf/FTE 

247 nasf/FTE 

2,582 FTE 

2,603 FTE 

2,624 FTE 

118,336 nasf 

245 nasf/FTE 

2,645 FTE 

243 nasf/FTE 

2,665 FTE 

241 nasf/FTE 

251 nasf/FTE 

250 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

2,686 FTE 

2,686 FTE 

122,306 nasf 

236 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

235 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

237 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

237 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

237 nasf/FTE 

2,686 FTE 

FTE NASF/FTE 

Instructional NASF Need 

58,299 nasf 

578,408 nasf 

547,846 nasf 

559,896 nasf 

532,342 nasf 

550,842 nasf 

592,601 nasf 

576,492 nasf 

580,763 nasf 

599,656 nasf 

642,775 nasf 

642,775 nasf 

648,445 nasf 

605,095 nasf 

594,803 nasf 

598,682 nasf 

610,185 nasf 

566,265 nasf 

588,802 nasf 

635,339 nasf 

635,339 nasf 

635,339 nasf 

NASF 

(not adjusted for 

renovations) 

72


November 2011 

CRITICAL PATH & PHASING 

P 

P – CRITICAL PATH & PHASING 

The following phasing and sequencing diagrams depict the FMP’s critical 

path and highlight project dependencies (i.e. what has to happen in order 

for another project to happen). The phasing and sequencing of projects 

reflects input from the campus and is responsive to the college’s priorities 

with academic/instruction facilities initiatives dominating the 2013-2018 

Capital Cycle. 

• 

labs, and instructional space for Computer Technology 

Culinary Arts/Food Service (Prentice Hall) 

This initiative provides a full renovation of Prentice and a new 

addition to support expanded campus dining and space for 

Culinary Arts. Culinary Arts and food service are to be relocated 

from Champlin Hall and consolidated in Prentice. 

2008 

ACADEMIC OTHER OPEN SPACE 

WHEELER 1 CANR 

WHEELER 2 

Graphic P1 

Sequencing 

Attention was given to allow for standalone projects that had no 

dependencies and could occur whenever the college desired or funding 

became available, including earlier than planned. 

Priorities for 2013-2018: 

• 

• 

• 

Student Life (Student & Community Center and College 

Crossing) 

Building a Student & Community Center is the top priority for 

SUNY Cobleskill. This initiative provides a new building to 

support student activities, wellness, food service and community 

events. Related to this initiative is the reconfiguration of the 

College Crossing at Route 7, which will provide landscaping, 

street furniture, plantings and lighting as well as traffic calming 

measures at the crosswalk to improve pedestrian safety. 

School of Business (Home Economics Hall) / School of Liberal 

Arts & Sciences – Arts (Old Gym Hall) 

This initiative responds to the College’s need for specialized space 

to support upper level instruction for the School of Business. This 

project is to occur in tandem with the renovation of Old Gym Hall, 

which is repurposed to support art studios and faculty offices. 

Technology Upgrade (classroom and class labs campus-wide) 

This initiative provides a campus-wide upgrade of classrooms 

and class labs to support technology-enhanced instruction and 

will allow for right-sizing of class labs and classrooms. 

Priorities for 2023 and Beyond: 

• 

• 

• 

Van Wagenen Library 

This initiative provides a medium-level renovation of all three 

floors of Van Wagenen Library. Collaboration space is integrated 

with the existing program elements and a new open stair is 

provided to visually connect the building levels. 

Bouck Hall 

This initiative provides renovations of various spaces within Bouck 

Hall, including health and physical education spaces, athletic 

support spaces and the theater. It includes the replacement of 

building mechanical systems, along with the repurposing of 

several key spaces to accommodate new uses (printing services 

on the basement level and intramural sports in the current “multipurpose” 

room. The addition of a new enclosed glass pedestrian 

gallery and construction of new skylights are also included in this 

initiative. 

Lower Quad 

This initiative re-defines the open space on the west side of the 

campus adjacent to Curtis Mott and the Center for Agriculture 

and Natural Resources [CANR]. New turf and plantings, paved 

walkways, street furniture and lighting are also included. 

2013 

TECH 

UPGRADE 

2018 

CURTIS 

MOTT 1 

CURTIS 

MOTT 2 

2023 

2028 

EQUESTRIAN 

PROJECTS 

WARNER- 

HOLMES 1 

WARNER- 

HOLMES 2 

OLD GYM 

ALUMNI 

HOME EC 

VAN 

WAGENEN 1 

VAN 

WAGENEN 2 

VAN 

WAGENEN 3 

FACILITIES 

PROJECTS 

NEW 

UPD 

STUDENT & 

COMM. CENTER 

KNAPP 

PRENTICE 

BOUCK 

MIDDLE 

QUAD 

ALBANY 

AVENUE 

LOWER 

QUAD 

KNAPP PLAZA 

PARKING 

UPGRADES 

LIBRARY 

QUAD 

COLLEGE 

YARD 

WALKWAY 

UPGRADES 

COLLEGE 

CROSSING 

STADIUM 

Priorities for 2018-2023: 

• 

• 

Ag Engineering (Curtis Mott) 

This initiative provides a renovation of and a new addition to 

Curtis Mott to better support Agricultural Engineering. High-bay 

class lab space, departmental support, equipment storage and a 

new case-method classroom are included in the addition. 

Computer Technology (Alumni Hall) 

This initiative recreates Alumni Hall as an Information & 

Technology Commons, combining CASE, the Writing Center, 

space for Faculty & Student Technology Development, computer 

73

P 

CRITICAL 

PATH & PHASING 

DRAFT 

Hybrid Phasing Plan 


November 2011 

Graphic P2 

Month-by-Month Implementation 

Academic, Shared and Support 

Initiatives 

LEAD-IN INITIATIVES 

Science (Wheeler Add. & Reno.) 

2011 FMP 

Academic Study 

Knapp Plaza 4L 

Ag. & Natural Science (CANR) 

CURRENT FISCAL CYCLE 

2013-2018 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D 

2018 

J F M A M J J A S O N D 

2019 

J F M A M J J 

ACADEMIC INITIATIVES 

Tech Upgrade (Classroom and Class Lab Space) 1F 

CLASS TECH 

CLASS TECH 

CLASS TECH 

CLASS TECH 

Business (Home Economics Hall) 1C Programming Study 

HOME ECONOMICS HALL 

Const. Phase 1: New Stair Tower and Elevator and Renovation of Existing 


Const. Phase 2: New Addition and Renovation of Existing 

Art (Old Gym Hall) 1D 

OLD GYM HALL 

Computer Tech. & CASE (Alumni Hall) 1A 

Ag. Engineering (Curtis Mott) 1B Ag. Engineering Curricu 

Culinary Arts (Prentice) 

1E 

Social Sciences (Warner-Holmes) 

1G 

AGRICULTURAL & FARM INITIATIVES 

Equine (New Coverall and Round Pens) 

Equine (Exerciser) 

Equine (Hangar/Phantom Breeding) 

Farm (Hay Storage) 

Livestock (Class Lab) 

Equine (Second Arena) 

1I 

1K 

1L 

1N 

1M 

1H 

NEW COVERALL 

EXERCISER 

HANGAR 

HAY STORAGE 

LIVESTOCK CLASSLAB BUILDING 

SECOND ARENA 

SHARED INITIATIVES 

Student Life (Bouck) Sub-Project #2 2A BOUCK 

Student & Community Center 2B Programming Study 

Food Service (Prentice) 2C 

STUDENT & COMMUNITY CENTER 

Library (Van Wagenen) 

2D 

Student Life (Bouck) 

2A 

SUPPORT INITIATIVES 

Facilities (Mackey) 3B 

Police (New UPD) 3E 

Facilities (Warehouse) 

Facilities (PM Building) 

3C 

3D 

Administration (Knapp) 3A 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

MACKEY 

2017 

NEW UPD BUILDING 

WAREHOUSE BUILDING 

2018 

PHYSICAL MAINTEN 

To 4W, 4X and 4I 

To 4B, Demo of Brickyard Point 

To 4W, Rt 7 Roundabout and 4X, Reconf of Albany Ave 

To 4K, Demo of Kniskern House 

74 



2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 


2018 

J F M A M J J A S O N D 

2019 

J F M A M J J


November 2011 

DRAFT 

Hybrid Phasing Plan 


P 

November 2011 

D 

CURRENT 2018-2023 FISCAL CYCLE 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 2013-2018 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 2023-2028 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 


2017 

2018 

2011 2019 

2012 2020 

2013 2021 

2014 2022 

2015 2023 

2016 2024 

2017 2025 

2018 2026 

2019 2027 

2020 2028 

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D JJ FA MS AO MN JD 

J J AF SM OA NM DJ 

JJ FA MS AO MN 

JD 

J J AF SM OA NM 

DJ 

JJ FA MS 

AO MN 

JD 


DJ 


JD 


DJ 


JD 


DJ 


JD 


DJ 


JD 


DJ 

JJ FA MS 

AO MN 

JD 


DJ 


JD 


DJ 


JD 

J F M A M 

LEAD-IN INITIATIVES 

Science (Wheeler Add. & Reno.) 

2011 FMP 

Academic Study 

Knapp Plaza 4L 

Ag. & Natural Science (CANR) 

ACADEMIC INITIATIVES 

Tech Upgrade (Classroom and Class Lab Space) 1F 

CLASS TECH 

CLASS TECH 

CLASS TECH 

CLASS TECH 

CLASS TECH 

Business (Home Economics Hall) 1C Programming Study 







OLD GYM HALL 

Art (Old Gym Hall) 1D 

OLD GYM HALL 

Computer Tech. & CASE (Alumni Hall) 1A 

ALUMNI HALL 

Ag. Engineering (Curtis Mott) 1B Ag. Engineering Curriculum Study (not included in cost estimate) 

Ag. Engineering Curriculum Study (not included in cost estimate) 

CURTIS MOTT HALL 

Const. Phase 1: Renovation of Existing 

CURTIS MOTT HALL 

Const. Phase 2: Construction of New 

Culinary Arts (Prentice) 1E Programming Study 

Programming Study 

PRENTICE HALL 

Const. Phase 1: Construction of New Addition 

PRENTICE HALL 

Social Sciences (Warner-Holmes) 1G 



Const. Phase 1: Upper Floor & Cafe Space 

Const. Phase 2: Middle (except Cafe Space) and Lower Floor 

AGRICULTURAL & FARM INITIATIVES 

Equine (New Coverall and Round Pens) 

Equine (Exerciser) 

Equine (Hangar/Phantom Breeding) 

Farm (Hay Storage) 

Livestock (Class Lab) 

SECOND ARENA Equine (Second Arena) 

1I 

1K 

1L 

1N 

1M 

1H 

NEW COVERALL 

EXERCISER 

HANGAR 

HAY STORAGE 

LIVESTOCK CLASSLAB BUILDING 

SECOND ARENA 

T & COMMUNITY CENTER 

2016 

2017 


SHARED INITIATIVES 

Student Life (Bouck) Sub-Project #2 2A BOUCK 

Student & Community Center 2B Programming Study 

Food Service (Prentice) 

Library (Van Wagenen) 

2018 

Student Life (Bouck) 

SUPPORT INITIATIVES 

Facilities (Mackey) 3B 


Police (New UPD) 3E 

WAREHOUSE BUILDING Facilities (Warehouse) 3C 

Facilities (PM Building) 3D 

Administration (Knapp) 3A 

2C 

2D 

2A 



Const. Phase 1: Construction of New Addition 


2019 

2012 

2020 

2013 

2021 

2014 

2022 

2015 

2023 

2016 

2024 

2017 

2025 

2018 

2026 

2019 

2027 

2020 

PHYSICAL MAINTENANCE BUILDING 

To 4K, Lower Quad 


To 4M, Library Square 

PRENTICE HALL 


VAN WAGENEN LIBRARY 

STUDENT & COMMUNITY CENTER 

MACKEY 

PRENTICE HALL 

Const. Phase 1: Lower Floor 


BOUCK HALL 


WAREHOUSE BUILDING 

To 4B, Demo of Brickyard To 4K, Point Lower QuadTo 4W, Rt 7 Roundabout and To 4X, 4M, Reconf Library of Square Albany Ave 

Const. Phase 2: 1st Floor 


KNAPP HALL 

Const. Phase 3: 2nd Floor 

Sub-Project #1 

BOUCK HALL 

To To 4E, 4K, Demo of of Champlin Kniskern House 

PHYSICAL MAINTENANCE BUILDING 


Sub-Projects #3-8 

D 

CURRENT 2018-2023 FISCAL CYCLE 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 2013-2018 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 2023-2028 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 

2018-2023 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 75 

2017 

2018 

2011 2019 

2012 2020 

2013 2021 

2014 2022 

2015 2023 

2016 2024 

2017 2025 

2018 2026 

2019 2027 

2020 2028 

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D JJ FA MS AO MN JD 

J J AF SM OA NM DJ 


JD 


DJ 

JJ FA MS 

AO MN 

JD 


DJ 


JD 


DJ 


JD 


DJ 


JD 


DJ 


JD 


DJ 

JJ FA MS 

AO MN 

JD 


DJ 


JD 


DJ 


JD 

J F M A M

P 

CRITICAL 

PATH & PHASING 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 


November 2011 


To 4B, Demo of Brickyard Point 



Graphic P3 

Month-by-Month Implementation 

Site Improvement Initiatives 



2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 


OPEN SPACE INITIATIVES 

From 2B, College 

Community Center From 2B, College Community Center From 2B, College Community Center 

Open Space (Demo. of Porter) 4D 

PORTER DEMO 

Route 7 Tree Buffer 4Q 

RT 7 TREE BUFFER 

New Equine Parking 4T 

NEW EQUINE PARKING 

Middle Quad 4J 

MIDDLE QUAD 

Open Space (Demo. of Brickyard Point) 4B BRICKYARD DEMO Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

Campus-Wide Upgrade of Walkways 4P 

WALKWAY UPGRADE Phase 1 Summer Reconstruction 



2018 

2019 

J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J 

Relocate Equine Parking 4S RELOCATE EQUINE PARKING Coordinated with 1H 

Reconfigure Albany Avenue 4X 

RT 7 ROUNDABOUT Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

Route 7 Roundabout 4W 

RECONFIGURE ALBANY AVE Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

College Crossing 4I(a/b) 

Allowance for Advocacy and Funding Coordination with NYSDOT 

COLLEGE CROSSING Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

Open Space (Demo. of Beard Wellness) 4C 

BEARD WELLNESS DEMO Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

Open Space (Demo. of Kniskern) 4F KNISKERN DEMO Coordinated with 4K, Construction of Lower Quad 

Facilities Parking & Open Space 4N 

Stadium 4AA 

Reconstruct Albany Avenue 4DD 

Reconstruct Parking along Albany Avenue 4Z 

Restored Wetlands 4Y 

Open Space (Demo. of Ryder) 4A 

Lower Quad 4K 

Library Square 4M 

Fieldhouse Stairs 4U 

Open Space (Demo. of Champlin) 4E 

College Yard 4O 

New F-Lot Parking 4CC 

From 1B, Curtis Mott 


SUNY / SUCF Project 

Justifcation and 

Funding 

Design Consultant 

Work 

Construction 

Mobilization 

Construction 

2012 

2013 

2014 

2015 

2016 

2017 

2018 

76

20 

20 

20 


November 2011 



20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 

20 


To 4M, Library Square 


To 4B, Demo of Brickyard To 4K, Point Lower Quad To 4W, Rt 7 Roundabout and To 4X, 4M, Reconf Library of Albany SquareAve 

To 4K, 4E, Demo of Kniskern ChamplinHouse 



P 

CURRENT FISCAL 2018-2023 CYCLE 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 2013-2018 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 2023-2028 5 YEAR FISCAL CYCLE 


2017 

2018 

2011 2019 2012 

2020 2013 

2021 2014 

2022 2015 

2023 2016 

2024 2017 

2025 2018 

2026 2019 

2027 2020 2028 

N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J AF SM OA NM 

DJ 

J FA MS AO MN 

JD 

J AF SM OA NM 

DJ 

J FA MS AO MN 

JD 

J AF SM OA NM 

DJ 

J FA MS AO MN 

JD 

J AF SM OA NM 

DJ 

J FA MS AO MN 

JD 

J AF SM OA NM 

DJ 

J FA MS AO MN 

JD 

J AF SM OA NM 

DJ 

J FA MS AO MN 

JD 

J AF SM OA NM 

DJ 

J FA MS AO MN 

JD 

J AF SM OA NM 

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J FA MS AO MN 

JD 

J AF SM OA 

NM 

DJ 

J FA MS 

AO MN 

JD 

J AF SM OA 

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DJ 

J F M A M 

enter 

From 2B, College Community OPEN Center SPACE INITIATIVES From 1B, Curtis Mott 

From 1B, Curtis Mott 

From 2D, Library 

From 2B, College 

Community Center From 2B, College Community From 1B, Center Curtis Mott 

From 2B, College From 2D, Community Library Center 

From 1B, 2C, Curtis Prentice Mott 

From From 3E, 1B, New Curtis UPDMott 

Open Space (Demo. of Porter) 4D 

PORTER DEMO 

Route 7 Tree Buffer 4Q 

RT 7 TREE BUFFER 

New Equine Parking 4T 

NEW EQUINE PARKING 

Middle Quad 4J 

MIDDLE QUAD 

ARD DEMO Coordinated with 2B, Student Open & Space Community (Demo. Center of Brickyard Point) 4B BRICKYARD DEMO Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

Campus-Wide Upgrade of Walkways 4P 


on 


AY UPGRADE Phase 3 Summer Reconstruction 




RELOCATE EQUINE Relocate PARKING Equine Coordinated Parking with 1H 4S RELOCATE EQUINE PARKING Coordinated with 1H 

NDABOUT Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

Reconfigure Albany Avenue 4X 

RT 7 ROUNDABOUT Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

LBANY AVE Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

RECONFIGURE ALBANY AVE Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

Route 7 Roundabout 4W 

CROSSING Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

COLLEGE CROSSING Coordinated with 2B, Student & Community Center 

College Crossing 4I(a/b) 

Allowance for Advocacy and Funding Coordination with NYSDOT 


Open Space (Demo. of Beard Wellness) 4C 


KNISKERN DEMO Coordinated with Open 4K, Construction Space (Demo. of Lower of Kniskern) Quad 4F KNISKERN DEMO Coordinated with 4K, Construction of Lower Quad 

Facilities Parking & Open Space 4N FACILITIES OPEN SPACE & PARKING Coordinated with 3D, PM Building 

FACILITIES OPEN SPACE & PARKIN 

Stadium 4AA 

STADIUM 

STADIUM 

Reconstruct Albany Avenue 4DD 

RECONSTRUCT ALBANY AVE 

Reconstruct Parking along Albany Avenue 4Z 

RECONSTRUCT PARKING ALONG ALBANY AV Coordinated with 4DD, Reconstruct Albany Avenue 

Restored Wetlands 4Y 

RESTORE WETLANDS 

Open Space (Demo. of Ryder) 4A 

RYDER DEMO 

Lower Quad 4K 

LOWER QUAD Coordinated with 1B, Curtis Mott 

Library Square 4M 

LIBRARY SQUARE Coordinated with 2D, Van Wagenen Library 

Fieldhouse Stairs 4U 

FIELDHOUSE STAIRS 

Open Space (Demo. of Champlin) 4E 

CHAMPLIN DEMO Coordinated with 2C, Prentice Hall Food Service 

College Yard 4O 

COLLEGE YARD Coordinated with 4E, Demo of Champlin Hall 

New F-Lot Parking 4CC 

F-LOT Coordinated with 4E, Demolition of Champlin Hall 

SUNY / SUCF Project 

Justifcation and 

Funding 

2016 

2017 

Design Consultant 

Work 

2018 

Construction 

Mobilization 

Construction 

2019 

2012 

2020 

2013 

2021 

2014 

2022 

2015 

2023 

2016 

2024 

2017 

2025 

2018 

2026 

2019 

2027 

2020 

77

Q 

SURGE 

SPACE 

Q – SURGE SPACE 


November 2011 


As noted previously, a key goal of the FMP is to avoid large dedicated 

surge structures. The final FMP accomplishes this by spreading projects 

out as well as utilizing the vacated Ryder Hall as temporary surge space. 

Other buildings on campus may serve as temporary surge space for 

smaller displaced program areas. These include: 

• 

• 

• 

Using the Tiger’s Den in Bouck Hall as temporary art studio space 

before the renovation of Home Economics Hall is complete 

Housing the paramedic program (currently located on the 

basement level of Ryder Hall) to Parsons 

Providing space for a temporary commuter lounge on the 2nd 

floor of Prentice Hall 

R – COST ESTIMATE 

Over the course of the FMP process, recommendations which further the 

mission and vision of the College have been the focus. The proposed 

initiatives are allocated to three time frames, the five-year periods of 2013- 

2018, 2018-2023 and 2023-2029. The distribution of projects between 

these time frames is based on campus input, phasing sequences and 

estimated project timelines. Costs are assigned to each funding cycle: 

Funding Cycles Project Cost Escalated Cost 

2013-2018 $63,091,155 $110,209,489 

2018-2023 $88,347,249 $185,517,150 

2023-2029 $5,666,500 $14,303,636 

Total $157,104,904 $310,030,275 

78


November 2011 

COST ESTIMATE 

R 

79

RCOST ESTIMATE 


November 2011 

80


November 2011 

COST ESTIMATE 

R 

81



November 2011 

82


November 2011 

COST ESTIMATE 

R 

83



November 2011 

84


November 2011 

CAMPUS OPERATIONS 

S 

S – CAMPUS OPERATIONS 

The renovation and improvement of significant amounts of Cobleskill’s 

campus will have a noticeable impact upon campus operations. All 

consideration has been taken to allow for projects to be conducted in a 

discreet manner and with appropriate surge space and sequencing that 

minimizes moving departments twice. 


85

Part 5: Final Recommendation - SUNY Cobleskill

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