07/01/2026
We’re honored to share that JMZ’s Renovation of Milne Library at SUNY Geneseo has received the AIA Eastern New York “Best of the Best” Honor Award!
“With an incredibly sensitive approach, this project brings the library into the current age as a space for collaborative learning and a modern social gathering space.”
Presented during the AIAENY Design Awards celebration at The Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy, New York, the award recognizes projects that exemplify excellence in design, innovation, sustainability, and service to the communities they serve. In announcing this year’s honorees, AIA Eastern New York President and JMZ Vice-President Karin Kilgore-Green, AIA, noted that the recognized projects demonstrate “the powerful impact thoughtful design can have on people, places, and communities” and exemplify architecture’s ability to “enrich lives and shape a better future.”
Originally constructed in 1966, Milne Library has long served as the intellectual heart of SUNY Geneseo (Tagged). This transformative renovation reimagines the building as a vibrant, transparent, and welcoming destination for learning, collaboration, and community engagement. New expansive glazing introduces abundant natural light and captures sweeping views of the Genesee River Valley, while a reimagined interior provides a diverse mix of study, collaboration, and gathering spaces designed to support the evolving needs of students, faculty, and visitors.
Sustainability was a guiding principle throughout the design. Delivered on time and within budget, Milne Library became SUNY Geneseo’s first fully electrified building, eliminating fossil fuel use and advancing New York State’s climate goals. High-performance glazing, daylight-responsive lighting controls, automated shading systems, and energy-efficient building systems contribute to a healthier, more resilient learning environment.
We are grateful to our project partners State University Construction Fund, IMEG, Regent Design Service, McMillan Pazdan Smith, Manning Squires Hennig, Ysreal A Seinuk, Fisher Associates, Larsen Engineers, RL Young, and the many individuals whose dedication and collaboration helped bring this vision to life. It is an honor to see our commitment to creating impactful campus environments recognized and celebrated alongside a distinguished group of projects from across the region.
