Main entrance, Old Main Building
The Old Main Building, which was once the sole building to encompass all of SUNY New Paltz, has been renovated and refitted to meet the educational needs of the 21st century. A rededication ceremony will be held on Friday, May 11, at 11 a.m. Following the ribbon-cutting, which will take place in front of the red doors, a reception will be held in the 1907 Room (Room B125). All events are open to the public. In case of rain, all events will be held in the 1907 Room (Room B125).
The Old Main renovation incorporated the installation of high-tech classrooms, modern faculty offices, complete electrical upgrades, central air-conditioning and meticulous attention to the interior finishes of the building to restore its natural elegance and ornamentation. Green features include maximum water efficiency, a highly efficient air-conditioning system, and lighting and other systems that will achieve 10 percent more energy efficiency than the standards established by the New York State Energy Code. Materials with recycled content were incorporated into new construction, including steel beams and columns, and finishes such as carpet, vinyl tile flooring and acoustic ceiling panels. During the demolition, more than 90 percent of the material removed from the facility was converted into recycled content.
President Donald P. Christian, Retired Dean Robert Michael (Education), and Interim Dean Karen Bell (Education) are expected to speak during the ceremony. State Senator John Bonacic and State Assemblymember Kevin Cahill ’77, both of whom helped secure funding for the renovation, are also expected to address the audience. Professor Emeritus Lou Saraceno (Languages, Literatures & Culture) will be presenting a plaque to honor former faculty members who taught languages at New Paltz.