Zarb building renovations feature eco-friendly design

Environmentalists can rest easy knowing that Hofstra’s commitment to sustainability will be upheld in the $35 million construction project on the south side of campus.

Construction of the highly anticipated new building for the Frank G. Zarb School of Business began last spring. The new building is expected to be complete this coming fall. It will include an array of amenities, which will serve to concentrate Hofstra’s business program into one state-of-the-art collaborative center.

The new 52,000-square-foot building will include four floors equipped with a startup business incubator and study areas, as well as a behavioral science and market research lab. The building will also house offices for administrators, faculty and student clubs.

“I think it will provide an enhanced educational experience, especially the new building. The classroom building is really [meant] to be as supportive of students’ learning as it possibly can be,” said Herman A. Berliner, the dean of the School of Business.

Currently, Hofstra’s business school is dispersed throughout multiple academic buildings. Administrative and faculty offices are located in Weller Hall, while academic classes are held in C.V. Starr. The new building aims to bridge that gap, providing an enclosed second-story pedestrian walkway connecting C.V. Starr to the new facility.

Assistant Vice President for New Construction, Engineering and Central Utilities Richard Leddy works to ensure that the construction process does not interfere with student success or comfort. “We plan renovations to try and minimize the impact to the students. For instance, if we need to shut off electric power or water service to part of the campus to tie in the new renovation, we will typically perform this work at night, on the weekend, during the summer or on a holiday when possible,” Leddy said.

“[The new] building was designed and is being constructed to be LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] Silver certified which is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council,” Leddy said.

For some students, the construction scene builds more anticipation. Junior Meghan Mullooly, a transfer music business student, is excited to complete her studies in the finished building. “To be honest, I don’t really notice the construction around my classes. At my old school there was always construction left and right so compared to that, it doesn’t really create any disruptions. I’m definitely more excited to see the building when it opens,” Mullooly said.

“I think it’s a good idea. [It’s] probably not the best spot for it, a parking lot right next to the school, but I think it ultimately will be a good project for the campus and for Hofstra overall,” said Troy Weathersby, a graduate business student. “Hopefully it helps bring in some students from other countries and from this country too and they’ll get to know a bigger and better business school.”