Fisher’s Lavery Library Recognized with The Associated General Contractors of New York State Build New York Award

Hamilton Stern Construction, in partnership with St. John Fisher University, has received the 2025 Jeffrey J. Zogg Build New York Award in recognition of the recently renovated Lavery Library. The award, presented annually by the Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGC NYS), is one of the most distinguished honors in New York’s construction industry.

Completed in July 2025, the project transformed the original 1975 building into a modernized library aimed to foster student success. The renovation included 59,000 square feet of redesigned interior space with new study areas, offices, and testing rooms, as well as two new entrances and outdoor seating areas that blend Fisher’s signature brick and archways.

“This award is a testament to the whole team involved in making this project a reality from the original conception many years ago through the final touches in recent months,” said David Collins, project executive with Hamilton Stern. “We are appreciative to all on the Fisher team for their partnership, hard work, and dedication to the success of the project — this could not have happened without such a great team.”

As part of the award submission, Hamilton Stern touted: “From Fisher leadership to architects, engineers, subcontractors, and craftspeople, every partner contributed to creating a space that reflects the University’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and student success. The Lavery Library renovation embodies excellence and stands as a symbol of Fisher’s dedication to creating spaces that inspire learning, connection, and success.”

The Build New York Awards program was developed in 1990 as a way to highlight the positive impact of the construction industry in New York State, involving building and heavy/highway construction. On October 15, 2010, the AGC NYS Board of Directors adopted the resolution to rename the Build New York Awards the Jeffrey J. Zogg Build New York Awards, in honor of late AGC NYS President Jeffrey J. Zogg and his 40-year career of dedication and service to the association.

According to the organization’s website, the award “emphasizes the construction team, not only the general contractor or construction manager, but also many others — the owner, architect, engineer, subcontractors, suppliers, and craftspeople — who contribute to the success of a project. Since its inception, the Build New York Award winners have symbolized the best of construction projects in the state.”