Colgate University is building apartments geared for faculty and staff

Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, is building a four-story mixed-use facility in downtown Hamilton that will provide living space for faculty and staff.

The university says the building will have 41 apartment units, one restaurant, two retail locations, and office space. The apartments will be designated for Colgate faculty, staff, and for people seeking to live full-time in the community. They will not be available to students. 

The existing building on the site will be torn down. The construction project is being funded entirely by Colgate University as part of its commitment to increase housing options for faculty and staff as well as local residents. 

Engineers determined that replacing the 128-year-old building was the best option; it would need major structural and infrastructure repairs.

“This is another step toward taking care of our local housing shortage,” said Joanne Borfitz, Colgate's associate vice president for community affairs and auxiliary services. “This will also add such vitality to the village core."

Most apartments will have outdoor areas, with small balconies or patios, and the fourth floor will include a shared amenity room for residents.

Hamilton Mayor Ruthann Loveless said she thinks the new construction will go a long way toward addressing a critical need within the community.

“The village, town, and Colgate have all identified the need for more housing as a top priority," Loveless said. "Too many current and potential new hires find it impossible to live in the community where they work. This new mixed-use development will help address this issue, as well as add to the economic vitality of the village and increase the tax base."