Grand Reopening of Foster Hall

May 28, 2026

We were excited to attend the grand reopening of Foster Hall at the University at Buffalo on February 27, 2026! 

Brad Sendlak, PE, Watts' Civil Department Manager, attended the event on behalf of our design team. The ceremony celebrated the transformation of one of the most historic buildings on UB’s South Campus, Foster Hall, which was the very first building on the campus. This $33 million renovation, led by State University Construction Fund (SUCF), reimagined the space to meet modern needs while honoring its legacy. The project included converting former laboratory spaces into offices, adding new conference rooms and restrooms, and upgrading all major mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The site was also refreshed with new pedestrian pathways, restored landscaping, and expanded green space to enhance the campus environment.

Watts served on the design team, providing civil engineering, environmental surveys, abatement and remediation design, and oversight services. Our work helped identify and safely address materials such as asbestos, lead-based paint, and PCB-containing components, as well as support the removal of an obsolete underground storage tank and the development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

It’s exciting to see this historic building begin its next chapter, modernized, revitalized, and ready to serve the UB community for years to come.