Buffalo, NY – Canisius University is the recipient of a $1 million Higher Education Capital (HECap) matching grant from the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). The funding will support the second phase of renovations to Old Main, the university’s primary academic building, modernizing classrooms and collaborative spaces with state-of-the-art technology. Work is scheduled to begin in spring 2026.
“This next phase of renovations builds upon last summer’s upgrades to the first floor of Old Main and allows Canisius to continue transforming the campus cornerstone into a modern academic center that prioritizes student learning,” said President Steve Stoute. “By creating flexible, engaging classrooms and collaborative spaces, we are elevating the student experience and equipping all learners - traditional and adult - to succeed academically.”
Canisius began modernizing Old Main last summer by converting former administrative offices into state-of-the-art hybrid-flexible (HyFlex) learning labs. Completed for the start of the fall 2025 semester, these first-floor classrooms feature modular furniture, interactive whiteboards and advanced audiovisual systems that foster collaboration and active student engagement.
Phase 2 of the renovation project will create 15 HyFlex classrooms and three collaborative study spaces on the upper floors of Old Main. These classrooms, like those on the first floor, will include mobile furniture, interactive whiteboards and advanced audiovisual systems. Additionally, they will be equipped with technology that enables students to participate in person, live online or asynchronously, allowing Canisius to expand its program offerings for both traditional students and adult learners.
“Today’s students expect a learning environment that is digital, engaging and adaptable,” President Stoute added. “These upgraded classrooms are designed as learning labs where faculty can experiment with new teaching methods and students can actively collaborate and co-create knowledge.”
The Old Main renovation is a multiphase project that, when complete, will update approximately 45,000 square feet of space in the building, which has not undergone a major renovation since the 1990s. The total project cost is estimated at $4 million, with Canisius providing the required 3:1 matching funds through a combination of philanthropy, capital funding and unrestricted endowment resources.
Renovations are expected to be completed by August 2027.
The Higher Education Capital (HECap) matching grant program provides matching capital grants to colleges and universities for the design, acquisition, construction or renovation of academic facilities that enhance student learning, foster economic development and strengthen community engagement.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
