SUNY Brockport School of Nursing Hartwell Hall Renovation

Meeting A Surge in Nursing School Students

SUNY Brockport’s School of Nursing is outgrowing its current space as interest in the program rises. To accommodate this growth, Hartwell Hall is being renovated. Envisioned as a state-of-the-art, student-centered environment, the revitalized facility will support increasing interest in the School and its commitment to excellence in experiential learning and innovation.

LaBella is providing architectural and interior design services for the renovation, which will achieve the goals of:

  • Providing cutting-edge learning environments that position SUNY Brockport competitively among peer institutions and attract prospective nursing students.
  • Establishing a strong visual identity through interior finishes and branding elements that clearly define the space as part of the School of Nursing.
  • Creating a welcoming and intuitive experience for students, faculty, and community volunteers.
  • Organizing programmatic elements to support the specialized operational needs of nursing education.

The project embodies a future-focused approach to nursing education by integrating functional design with immersive learning experiences.

Program elements include:

Two Skills Labs

These labs will support hands-on instruction using mannequins and peer-to-peer practice. Each lab will feature curtained bays equipped with exam tables, simulated medical gas headwalls, instructional technology, mobile seating, modular furniture, and built-in storage. A movable partition will allow the labs to operate independently or as one unified space.

Four Simulation Labs & Debrief Rooms

The labs are supported by a control room for real-time observation, a green room for standardized patients, and a dedicated debrief room for pre- and post-simulation review. The simulation corridor will emulate a hospital environment, with Workstations on Wheels (WOWs) and alert systems that signal when the simulation room is ready.

Multi-purpose Classroom

Designed for flexibility in teaching and testing, the space will feature a movable partition and be adaptable for varied instructional needs.

Informal Learning Areas

Soft seating zones along corridors will encourage informal learning, collaboration, and social interaction.

Support Spaces

These include lab preparation areas, storage rooms, faculty touch-down spaces, and administrative offices.