Lavery Library Renovation Honored as RBJ Top Project

October 27, 2026

St. John Fisher University’s Lavery Library Modernization and Renovation Project was selected by the Rochester Business Journal (RBJ) as a Top Project, a recognition program that honors the best building and construction projects in the Rochester area over a 12-month span.

The annual recognition of outstanding building and construction work completed in the Rochester region highlights projects that have revitalized existing landmarks or established new ones for the future. Members of University leadership and the facilities team, as well as project partners Hamilton Stern Construction and HOLT Architects, attended the RBJ event on Tuesday, Oct. 20 to accept the award.

The Lavery Library Modernization and Renovation project transformed the University's nearly 50-year-old, 57,000-square-foot library into a modern, technology-enabled learning hub while preserving one of the most recognizable academic buildings on campus. As the largest capital project in the University's history, the renovation included a complete interior reconstruction of three floors, façade restoration, window replacement, new entrances, upgraded building systems, major utility infrastructure improvements, site improvements, and construction of a new underground utility vault and tunnel system.

The design thoughtfully balanced contemporary learning environments with the University’s established historic and collegiate campus character. New collaborative study spaces, testing rooms, offices, meeting areas, enhanced accessibility, and upgraded building systems were integrated within the existing structure, while a custom brick blend developed with suppliers and masonry partners preserved the
building’s historic exterior appearance.

Completed in the heart of an active campus, the team maintained uninterrupted University operations while coordinating around residence halls, heavy pedestrian traffic, major campus events, and the Buffalo Bills Training Camp. Complex infrastructure improvements were successfully managed through proactive planning, advanced 3D MEP coordination, and close collaboration among the owner, design team, and more than 30 subcontractors. Despite challenges, the project was completed approximately three months ahead of the contractual interior milestone and within budget.

“The 2026 recipients of Leaders in Construction & Real Estate and Top Projects awards are changing the landscape of Greater Rochester. Their innovation, design and construction are creating projects that are making a mark on the community,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Rochester Business Journal. “We at the Rochester Business Journal are pleased to honor these incredible individuals and businesses for their outstanding achievements over the past year.”

Lavery Library Renovation Honored as RBJ Top Project 2026-10-27T12:55:11-04:00 St. John Fisher University’s Lavery Library Modernization and Renovation Project was selected by the Rochester Business Journal (RBJ) as a Top Project, a recognition program that honors the best building and construction projects in the Rochester area over a 12-month span. The annual recognition of outstanding building and construction work completed in the Rochester region highlights projects that have revitalized existing landmarks or established new ones for the future. Members of University leadership and the facilities team, as well as project partners Hamilton Stern Construction and HOLT Architects, attended the RBJ event on Tuesday, Oct. 20 to accept the award. The Lavery Library Modernization and Renovation project transformed the University's nearly 50-year-old, 57,000-square-foot library into a modern, technology-enabled learning hub while preserving one of the most recognizable academic buildings on campus. As the largest capital project in the University's history, the renovation included a complete interior reconstruction of three floors, façade restoration, window replacement, new entrances, upgraded building systems, major utility infrastructure improvements, site improvements, and construction of a new underground utility vault and tunnel system. The design thoughtfully balanced contemporary learning environments with the University’s established historic and collegiate campus character. New collaborative study spaces, testing rooms, offices, meeting areas, enhanced accessibility, and upgraded building systems were integrated within the existing structure, while a custom brick blend developed with suppliers and masonry partners preserved thebuilding’s historic exterior appearance. Completed in the heart of an active campus, the team maintained uninterrupted University operations while coordinating around residence halls, heavy pedestrian traffic, major campus events, and the Buffalo Bills Training Camp. Complex infrastructure improvements were successfully managed through proactive planning, advanced 3D MEP coordination, and close collaboration among the owner, design team, and more than 30 subcontractors. Despite challenges, the project was completed approximately three months ahead of the contractual interior milestone and within budget. “The 2026 recipients of Leaders in Construction & Real Estate and Top Projects awards are changing the landscape of Greater Rochester. Their innovation, design and construction are creating projects that are making a mark on the community,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Rochester Business Journal. “We at the Rochester Business Journal are pleased to honor these incredible individuals and businesses for their outstanding achievements over the past year.”