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The University at Albany is planning to purchase the Centennial Hall dormitory on the former College of Saint Rose campus for $12 million. The building, located on Madison Avenue, is intended to serve as apartment-style housing for UAlbany's junior, senior, and graduate students, with hopes of occupancy by next fall.
According to Todd Foreman, UAlbany's vice-president for finance and administration, the university has faced high demand for student housing, often exceeding 100% occupancy. The acquisition of Centennial Hall will help alleviate this pressure and provide additional housing options for upper-level students. Foreman noted, "Centennial Hall is exactly the type of building we would build. It’s a beautiful residential area that’s appealing to our students." The dormitory features single-occupancy bedrooms, lounges, and group study areas, along with a rear courtyard.
The purchase will be presented to the Pine Hills Land Authority's board on November 18, but the board cannot act on the offer for 90 days due to state public authorities law. Albany County Executive Dan McCoy praised the move, stating it would benefit both the university and the local community.
The acquisition is part of a broader effort to manage the former College of Saint Rose campus, which closed in June 2024 due to financial difficulties. The Pine Hills Land Authority, created to oversee the campus's future, is expected to receive a report to guide redevelopment efforts.