Work continues on the $23 million Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) on Ellicott Street just south of Goodell. The four-story building is connected to the Downtown Gateway complex, the former M. Wile factory.
The new EOC building will replace its current location at 465 Washington Street and allow the EOC to significantly expand its services, which include programming in remedial and academic preparation, as well as specific job training programs in allied health, life sciences, information technology and environmental industries. Currently more than 2,000 people take part in UB’s EOC services annually.
Designed by Holt Architects of Ithaca under the oversight of the State University Construction Fund, the new EOC building will be skinned with environmentally friendly, durable fiber cement panels and glass. Savarino Cos. is building the 68,000 sq.ft. facility.
The building is targeting LEED Gold certification and will be a model of sustainable construction. Construction is slated to be completed next year.