Kimball Tower renovations enhance SPHHP student experience

By JENNA SHALLOE

Main components and benefits to students include the creation of more study spaces, a reflection space and lockers for secure storage of items throughout the day. 

• Phase one included cosmetic updates--painting walls, doors and elevators; replacing existing carpet; and adding a new digital directory and signage. Shared-use lockers for students are now available, which will allow students to store their items securely during the school day. This is especially useful for students like me who spend much of the day on campus; now, we won’t have to carry our belongings around campus from building to building.
• Phase two of the Kimball Tower renovations included the creation of new student spaces including a lunch area, a quiet study space with study carrels, a group project room and computer lounge. A quiet reflection room was also created, which students will be able to use for meditation, prayer or sensory space. Phase two is set to be completed by the 2025 spring semester for students to enjoy in rooms 102 to 106.

These renovations not only aim to modernize and update Kimball Tower, but also to improve student-life on UB’s South Campus. Kimball Tower was last updated in 2016 and included renovations to rooms 102 and l03 for the purpose of group meetings and quiet learning sessions for students.

Those renovations were a result of responses to a student survey initiated by School of Public Health and Health Professions Dean Jean Wactawski-Wende, which showed that students felt facilities in Kimball Tower needed improvement.

The new multi-phase renovations will make necessary cosmetic updates while creating even more amenities for students to enjoy.