In a significant move that combines technological advancement with the preservation of a historic landmark, the University at Albany has unveiled its new College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering in the former Albany High School building on Western Avenue. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the south wing marked the culmination of years of planning and signaled the beginning of a new era for the university and the city of Albany.
UAlbany President Dr. Havidán Rodríguez emphasized the university's central role in driving technological and educational progress, stating, "CNSE is setting the stage for continued technological innovation to build state of the art research, workforce development, and a diversified workforce that will continue to propel us in the fields of semiconductor chip development and artificial intelligence, among others." The college's ambitious plan to renovate the entire building by 2027 underscores its commitment to providing cutting-edge facilities for its students and faculty.
The repurposed building will house UAlbany's Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science programs, while Environmental and Sustainable Engineering will move to the main campus. Nanotech programs will remain at the uptown complex. Dr. Michelle Grimm, Dean of CNSE, expressed her enthusiasm for the new space, noting that it provides ample room for labs, teaching, and accommodating new faculty members.
The historic Albany High School building, completed in 1912, has been transformed to accommodate modern technology while preserving its architectural charm. The former gym now serves as a makerspace for 3D printing, and a visualization lab for data research occupies the basement, alongside several classrooms. The four-story building's hallways, lined with tile nearly to the ceilings, create a unique blend of old and new.
Dannielle Melendez, President of the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association, praised UAlbany for setting the standard for collaboration between neighborhoods and educational institutions. She highlighted the community's excitement in welcoming students, faculty, and staff to the neighborhood, noting that their presence brings vibrancy and life to the area.
Congressman Paul Tonko, representing the 20th District, which includes the new building, emphasized the importance of the space in the context of the Capital Region's emergence as a technology hub. He noted that America's share of global semiconductor production has plummeted from 37% in the 1990s to just 12% today, underscoring the need for initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act to support domestic semiconductor research and manufacturing.
Assemblywoman Pat Fahy, chair of the Assembly's Higher Education Committee, highlighted the significance of the development in light of the nearby College of Saint Rose's closure. She is proposing a new county-run development authority to take over the Saint Rose properties, as part of a broader revitalization effort in the area.
SUNY Chancellor Dr. John King placed the efforts in the context of a statewide strategy, stating, "We are building in New York a Silicon State, a comprehensive ecosystem of innovation and technology that will span the entire state and change the entire world." The repurposing of the former Albany High School building into a state-of-the-art facility for nanotechnology, science, and engineering education represents a significant step in this direction, positioning UAlbany and the Capital Region at the forefront of technological innovation and workforce development.
