One World Cafe Construction

Construction of UB's One World Cafe is one of the most significant campus construction projects since the North Campus was first built. Some disruptions are to be expected during the project's duration, which is expected to last until fall 2022. Everyone is advised to take extra time traveling around campus, as regular routes may be blocked by construction barriers.

Check here often for the latest updates on this construction project.

Construction Update: FEB. 24, 2020

The following are anticipated construction activities that will be noticeable in and around Capen and Norton halls on North Campus between March 2 and March 27, 2020. Detours and alternate paths are currently marked. No new detours are anticipated during normal business hours.

Week of March 2, 2020

Norton 2^nd floor, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — light demolition

Expected disruption: Negligible. Noise level should not interfere with normal business or classwork.

Week of March 9, 2020

Norton 1^st and 2^nd floor, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. — light demolition

Expected disruption: Negligible. Noise level should not interfere with normal business or classwork.

Week of March 16, 2020 (Spring break) – Temporary nighttime closure of Norton-Capen ground floor corridor

During spring break (Mon. March 16 through Sat. March 21, 2020) during the night hours of 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., the ground floor corridor between Norton and Capen halls will be closed to ensure visitor safety during stair removal.

Expected disruption: Significant noise during night hours only.
- During this time noise levels in Capen and Norton will be very disruptive. No classes are currently scheduled in these locations; events and programs are advised to seek to alternative locations. Temporary detour signage will be in place during the nightly construction. Construction debris will be cleaned up prior to 7 a.m.

Week of March 23, 2020

Norton ground floor — Light demolition during the day; possible nighttime tunnel construction from 9 p.m. – 5 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Expected disruption: Negligible.

Construction Update: Jan. 22, 2020

Expect Changes to Campus Building Access from One World Café Construction

Construction of UB’s One World Café will require significant changes to how you access and navigate Capen Hall, Norton Hall and Talbert Hall.

Students, faculty and staff on the North Campus should be prepared for disruptions. Everyone is advised to take extra time finding their classes, as regular routes may be blocked by construction barriers.

University Facilities is working diligently to minimize confusion and has taken these actions:

Placed new wayfinding signage at building entrances, elevators, stairwells and hallways to redirect traffic to the most efficient routes.
Assigned volunteers in high-traffic locations to direct you.
Created a new One World Café construction website to provide periodic construction updates.
Renamed elevators in Capen Hall to simplify getting to Silverman Library and administrative offices.

General Campus Changes to be Aware of

The fastest, easiest route between Capen, Talbert and Norton is through the ground floor. When in doubt, start there.

The fastest, easiest route between Capen, Talbert and Norton is through the ground floor. When in doubt, start there.
Passage between Capen and Norton halls on the ground floor will always remain open.
Capen Hall classrooms (Classrooms 240-265) can only be accessed via the stairs or elevators inside Talbert Hall. From the Flint Loop, turn left and walk straight. Enter Talbert Hall.
Administrative elevators on the first and second floors of Capen Hall are CLOSED for the duration of construction.
Elevators in Capen Hall are renamed and redirected to provide clarity.
- “Library” elevators (directly next to 1 Capen) provide service to Capen Hall ground floor and floors 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- “Administrative” elevators (around the corner from 1 Capen) provide service to Capen Hall ground floor and floors 4 and 5.

Best Routes In and Around Capen and Norton Halls

(Effective Jan. 24, 2020 until further notice)

Capen Hall

The best way to enter Capen Hall is via the ground floor (Hamilton Loop side of Capen).
The best way to access Capen Hall second floor classrooms (Classrooms 240-265) is to use the stairs or elevators in Talbert Hall.
The best way to access Silverman Library is to take the Library elevators from the ground or first floors of Capen Hall.

Norton Hall

The best way to enter Norton Hall is still from the ground floor of Capen, the bridge from O’Brian Hall or Founders Plaza.

Wayfinding Maps for One World Cafe Construction

These wayfinding maps will help you stay on the most efficient routes to classrooms and offices in Capen, Norton and Talbert halls during One World Cafe construction. Maps may change as construction progresses so check back often.