Governors Complex

The Governors Complex is a student residential complex at the University at Buffalo exclusive to first-year students. Opened in 1973, it was the first on-campus complex on the North Campus. The complex is composed of four linked residence halls - Clinton, Roosevelt, Lehman, and Dewey - each named after former New York State governors. Collectively, Governors Complex was originally built to house approximately 800 students in a suite-style layout.

Design and Construction

Governors Complex was designed by the renowned architect I. M. Pei and Associates. The design was adapted from similar dormitories Pei's firm created at SUNY Fredonia. Construction was completed in November 1972, and the first student residents moved in by September 1973. The complex's architecture is characterized by interconnected low-rise buildings with brick facades and breezeways, representative of 1970s campus design. Early reviews from its inaugural residents were mixed - students praised features like carpeted lounges with televisions and pol tables and the intimate on-site dining hall, but they criticized the complex's relative isolation and the "ugly surroundings" of a then-newly built North Campus - and only four shared kitchens served the entire complex. To compensate for these shortcomings, residents received a 10% ($65) rebate on housing fees.

As the first residential hub on North Campus, Governors opened about three years behind the original campus construction schedule. Nonetheless, the challenges of those early years fostered a close-knit community. A contemporary UB history noted that "the difficulties of living on the Amherst Campus [in 1973] seem to have knit the residents more closely together," with many initially "lost" students helping each other find their way around the new complex.

The Governors Complex only has double rooms, meaning each person will have exactly one roommate. It's exclusive to first-year students (typically incoming freshmen), meaning students beyond their first year cannot live there unless they are an RA (Residential Advisor).

Facilities and Features

Governors Complex is situated near UB's academic spine, making it a convenient location with relatively short walks to academic buildings. The complex includes a central dining hall and The Cellar, a casual diner in the complex's lower level. The Cellar is a longstanding UB dining tradition, known for its breakfast and night comfort food options for Governors residents. The presence of an on-site dining center has been an asset since the complex's inception, contributing to the community feel that early residents appreciated. As of today, it is called the Governor's Dining Center.

Within Roosevelt Hall is Teddy's, a tiny convenience store that contains snacks and beverages.

Each of the four residence halls is named for a notable governor of New York, reflecting state history:

• Dewey Hall: Named for Thomas E. Dewey, the 45th Governor (1943-1954) who was instrumental in creating the State University of New York (SUNY) system.
• Roosevelt Hall: Honors Theodore Roosevelt, 33rd Governor (1899-1900) and later US President, known for his anti-corruption campaigns.
• Lehman Hall: Named for Herbert H. Lehman, Governor from 1933-1942 (New York's first Jewish governor).
• Clinton Hall: Commemorates DeWitt Clinton, 6th Governor (1817-1823), famed for championing the Erie Canal's construction.

The halls are interconnected, allowing students to traverse within the complex. Governors' design originally featured communal lounges and study spaces, and over time some facilities have been updated (for example, bathroom renovations and fire safety systems). A notorious episode occurred during the 2009-2010 academic year, when frequent false fire alarms - over 45 in one year - plagued the complex and caused many interruptions to residents at any time of the day. Students formed Facebook groups titled "We didn't start the fire at Governors" to voice their frustration, noting that the constant alarms were causing evacuation fatigue and potential safety issues.

Incidents

In 2019, a student who violated Campus Living guidelines by using a space heater accidentally caused her room to be set on fire when items were placed on the heater between her bed and the wall. Read Article: 2019 Governors Dorm Fire

In 2023, an unknown individual attempted to start a fire in a kitchen at approximately 4:00 AM. Read Article: Governors Arsonist

Legacy

Despite being one of UB's older residence halls still in use today, Governors Complex maintains a unique reputation and charm in campus life. Many first-year students are housed in Governors, and the complex often cultivates a strong community among its residents. It hosts special living learning communities such as Leadership House and the Honors College Living Learning Community for first-year students. The Residence Hall Association (RHA) includes representation from Governors, ensuring that the interests of its 800 residents are advocated for in campus housing decisions.