UB airs plans for Lockwood

The UB community is invited to a public peek at plans to reimagine Lockwood Library.

A patron-engagement session will be held from 1-3 p.m. March 11 on the first floor of Lockwood, where architects from William Rawn Associates will ask for public input on the upcoming project.

It’s the largest renovation of the library in 50 years and one of the largest campus projects among many that will be taking place over the next decade. In fact, the Lockwood renovation project is “one of the most exciting initiatives we are embarking upon at UB,” says Kelly Hayes McAlonie, director, Campus Planning.

“This project is about more than just updating a building — it’s about reimagining how the library supports learning, teaching and engagement in the years ahead,” says Evviva Weinraub Lajoie, vice provost for university libraries. “When completed, all users can expect a library that is brighter, more accessible and designed to support a wide range of research and study needs.”

“With this project, we have the chance to create a more welcoming, flexible and technology-enhanced environment that fosters collaboration, research and discovery,” adds Scott Hollander, chief of staff and director of communications for University Libraries. “Engaging the UB community in the planning process ensures that the new Lockwood reflects their needs and aspirations for decades to come.”

While construction at Lockwood is not scheduled to begin until the summer of 2027, input from library patrons is valuable now as the project enters the concept design phase.

“The idea is to get students, as well as faculty and staff, familiar with the project as far as the vision for Lockwood,” says Daryl Ryan, manager of planning and space management in Campus Planning.

“We won’t have floor plans or anything like that to share,” Ryan says, “but the consultant is going to come with examples from projects they’ve worked on at other institutions, as well as ideas to float around for what we think is going to be in the building.”

Opened in 1977, the brutalist-style building was named in honor of Thomas B. Lockwood, a Buffalo attorney and university donor who served for many years on the UB Council. The six-story library encompasses some 235,000 gross square feet, which could increase to as much as 248,000 gross square feet depending on the scope of the project.

Proposed plans for Lockwood include:

• Reallocating and expanding a mix of study seating throughout the library, particularly for group and quiet study.
• Dedicating space as a hub for graduate students to convene, collaborate, study and access key services, such as academic support.
• Flexible space to collaborate with university partners.
• A café.
• Additional classroom and instructional space.
• Display and instructional space for Special Collections.
• Reducing low-circulating materials and using half-height shelving to improve sight lines and better distinguish seating areas.
• Wellness spaces with soft seating for patrons to rest, meditate or study.

“Lockwood is a cornerstone of academic life at UB, but libraries must continue to evolve as our communities evolve to serve all of our users effectively,” Weinraub Lajoie says.

The project is tentatively scheduled for completion in 2030.

“As we reimagine our North Campus as a student-centric space, the new Lockwood will be pivotal to the student experience,” Hayes McAlonie says.