Marist History: 2008-Present

New student townhouses opened in 2008 as a result of the demolition of two smaller residence halls, Benoit and Gregory.

In their place was built, in 2011, the Hancock Center, named for Marist Trustee Ellen Hancock, who provided the lead gift for the facility. Designed by noted firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects, the building is a stunning example of the Hudson River Valley vernacular, using the stone and brick that are signature elements of many of the region's great estates and institutions, such as the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. At the same time, it is a uniquely advanced building in its infrastructure and functionality, featuring a green roof and advanced teaching and research technology in its classrooms, the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, the School of Computer Science and Mathematics and its computer research labs, and a New York State-funded business development incubator. In concert with the project, nearby roadways were reconfigured and new green spaces were created.

Also in 2011, the College, in partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation, undertook an ambitious project to create a beautiful new pedestrian underpass to link the College's main and east campuses such that students no longer have to cross busy Route 9. 

In 2013, Marist undertook a hugely complex project, involving the construction of a new academic building to house the College's music programs and a complete renovation of the adjoining Student Center. The result is a Robert A.M. Stern-designed building that includes: a choral rehearsal and recital hall with tiered seating, a band rehearsal and recital hall with seating for over 300 people, three classrooms, a music library and conference room, string ensemble room, piano lab, computer lab, practive rooms, and faculty offices.

The new building connects seamlessly with the renovated Student Center, the centerpiece of which is a grand dining hall built around a former exterior courtyard, which was enclosed with a cathedral ceiling and features three, brass, custom-made chandeliers. The dining hall also includes a quiet dining area that can be used for group meals, and a patio for al fresco dining. Elsewhere in the Student Center, the Nelly Goletti Theatre and student activity spaces were all extensively renovated, and new activity spaces were added. The buildings began opening in phases, starting in August 2013, and were fully operational by November 2013.