The five-phase study of the Educational Opportunity includes an assessment of existing conditions, programming, planning, and conceptual opportunities for renovations to enhance the Educational Opportunity Center’s (EOC) facilities, services, and community outreach. The existing building was constructed in the 1950s as a teamster’s union hall and has been occupied by the EOC since its inception in 1969. The building has two wings, separated by a central hall and restroom core, with two split-level entrances at each end.

The Phase 1 renovation comprises a new front entry addition on the north side, an adjacent outdoor seating area and roof-top terrace above, window replacement for approximately 90% of the building, and a monumental stair on the interior.

The study began with assessing the existing facilities, followed by developing a comprehensive program that meets SUNY standards. Evaluation of current uses, an analysis of utilization, and workshops with staff and faculty established a plan to satisfy the academic and administrative programmatic needs for decades.

A unique challenge was the non-traditional academic calendar of the EOC, which consists of five student intake periods and extended teaching hours. After the program was finalized, conceptual alternatives for the facility renovation followed. Building renovation, site improvement opportunities, compliance with the current code, and the SUNY deep energy retrofit directive are planned as a phased renovation strategy.