At a glance
In MacKenzie East, students are enjoying the newly renovated suites that encompass entire floors of the tower, including semi-private lounges, kitchenettes, and study areas.
Students who recently returned to Alfred State for the start of the spring semester were greeted by the sight of some outstanding renovations to the MacKenzie Complex, as well as several other impressive additions around campus.
Dr. Skip Sullivan, president of Alfred State, said, “Our crews have been hard at work this winter break making some much-needed improvements around campus, particularly in the MacKenzie Complex, where students can now enjoy a beautiful common space area, as well as plenty of other exciting changes.” View photos.
The first phase of the project to renovate the largest residence hall on campus, the MacKenzie Makeover, wrapped up just prior to the start of the new semester, and the second phase is currently underway. Among the upgrades are a new dining area named “TimberLineZ,” a fitness center, laundry facility, and informal gathering spaces showcasing fireplaces and water features.
“These areas were enhanced by bringing the outside in with natural lighting from the raised skylight and plentiful natural plant life,” said Gregory Sammons, vice president for Student Affairs. “Also, 120 students moved into our premier living areas, including the MacKenzie Commons Apartments and single lifestyle apartments featuring full kitchens with private living rooms.”
In MacKenzie East, students are enjoying the newly renovated suites that encompass entire floors of the tower, including semi-private lounges, kitchenettes, and study areas.
“The openness of the new common area and tower floors has been well received by both students and family,” Sammons said.
The new MacKenzie fitness center includes a cardio fitness studio, featuring 10 new pieces of cardio equipment. Each of the machines is equipped with an individual TV display.
MacKenzie isn’t the only facility on campus to feature an upgraded fitness center, however. During the semester break, the Pioneer Fitness Center also received a considerable upgrade.
The college made $120,000 worth of improvements to this workout area, which now features brand-new gym flooring, a brand-new strength circuit, four conversion power racks, a plate-loaded circuit, and new multi-station crossover unit.
Also added to the campus during the winter break is a new LED sign in front of the Orvis Activities Center. The sign will be used to feature upcoming college events, news, and announcements. Using Visix technology that coordinates all digital signage on campus, the sign is able to display sharp images and full-motion videos that can be updated continuously.
Inside of the Orvis Activities Center, new tiling, shower heads, and lighting have been installed in multiple locker room areas. The updates modernize areas that Pioneer student-athletes and visiting teams use daily.