University at Buffalo to have new building along Medical Campus

What is the reason behind the spate of buildings across the USA? The question is quite justified since all over USA along with green buildings construction of a large number of ordinary buildings are taking place. Is this also a noble way to thwart the ongoing downturn and its dreadful effects? It’s quite hard to tell at this juncture but several sectors are witnessing the same. Now, among the bigwigs in an assortment of sectors, University at Buffalo is imperative and it is set to have a new building along the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The university, in this regard, has unveiled design plans already.

The new four-story Educational Opportunity Center, which was first announced in 2007, will be built at Ellicott and Goodell streets on a parking lot next to the former M. Wile building, which UB owns. It is expected construction will commence in August 2010 and be completed in 2012. EOC, at present located in the 400 block of Washington Street, plays a glorious role through helping the region’s disadvantaged population by providing educational job training, college preparation and related services to some 2,500 people a year.

It has also been learnt that nearly $26 million in state funds was obtained for the new building, while another $20 million allocated in previous state budget cycles will be used for the refurbishment of the former M. Wile building and construction of a 4,900-square-foot glass atrium to connect the two buildings.

“By coordinating a wide range of community resources — from academic programming to job training and employment opportunity programs — together in the same complex, UB is working to extend the reach of our academic and community assets, and to make them more accessible for Buffalo residents,” said UB President John B. Simpson.

Last of all, the new 64,834-square-foot EOC building, designed by Holt Architects of Ithaca, will sport large windows and open stairways that draw natural light into the building.