Butler Library

SUNY Buffalo State University

Design Architect: Perry Dean Rogers Partners Architects

Architect of Record: Architectural Resources

Location: Buffalo, NY

Total GSF: 215,260 GSF Renovation

Completed: 2020

In recent years, the 215,260 GSF Butler Library has been continually transformed from a traditional library to a more contemporary model that includes 24-hour study quads, a writing center, group study areas, and technology-based study. This project seeks to further the transformation by reconfiguring parts of the first, second, and third floor to accommodate the “Academic Achievement Center” (AAC) and relocate some displaced library functions. PDR is working on this project in collaboration with a local architecture office, Architectural Resources, of Buffalo, NY.

The AAC will include offices, group, and individual tutoring rooms, group study rooms, computer labs, reception, and renovation of the main lobby. Existing departments will be brought together from different locations for the first time as part of the AAC, including Student Accessibility Services, Academic Support Programs, Academic Center for Excellence, College Writing Program, Writing Help Center, and Math Tutoring. The “front face” services that these departments offer to students will be moved and consolidated into the library. Working with representatives from these departments, the team discovered what types of spaces could be shared based on services they offer students. With focused programming of each of these departments, it was determined who needs to move and what functions can be shared. None of these services are currently in the library with the exception of the Writing Help Center. The AAC will provide a seamless one-stop shop to students no matter what the academic need. Key to the success of this restructuring is to maximize shared spaces where appropriate, identify those that need to be separate, and allow these services to maintain their own distinct identity, yet be integrated as a seamlessly unified Academic Achievement Center.