HOUGHTON — Houghton University announced a $10.4 million lead gift to renovate its oldest existing residence hall, the 73-year-old Gillette Hall (formerly East Hall).
The gift is the first step in a multi-year effort to renew all residence halls across Houghton’s campus in northern Allegany County.
This extensive renovation project was made possible by a lead gift from Donald and Beverly Greene, real estate developers in Clifton Park. The Greenes stated, “We believe in returning to the work of our Lord and Savior who has blessed us so that others might also be blessed.”
Both Beverly and her brother, Earl Roberts, attended Houghton College (now University). Earl and his family went on to become missionaries in Africa.
“It is our hope that by updating and modernizing this vital residence hall, more students will choose Houghton, develop a deeper walk with the Lord, and go into the world to tell others about their Lord and Savior,” explained the Greenes.
At the request of the Greenes, upon completion of renovation the residence hall will return to its original name, East Hall, and will prominently feature the text, “For Christ and Christ Alone.” The return to the East Hall name is a tribute to Beverly’s time as a student living in that residence hall, which opened in 1952. The Executive Committee of Houghton’s Board of Trustees adopted a resolution approving that name change earlier this year, with a provision that space be dedicated within the renovated hall to honor the legacy and contributions of long-time history professor Dr. Frieda Gillette, whose name the building has featured since 2006. At the conclusion of the project, East Hall’s main lounge will then be named in honor of Dr. Gillette.
Construction efforts on Gillette Hall are already underway, beginning a 15-month renovation project that will be completed in August, 2026. The $11.6M project is inclusive of both exterior and interior spaces, including the creation of a new main entrance facing Genesee Street that is highlighted by a drive-up circle, covered entrance and courtyard. Interior renovations focus on accessibility and modernization, with the installation of a centralized elevator in the renovated Gillette Lounge, updated dorm rooms, bathrooms, lounges and kitchens on all four floors, as well as modernizing the Houghton University Student Health Center located on the ground floor.
“I am so grateful for Don and Beverly Greene’s servants hearts and their generosity,” said President Wayne D. Lewis Jr. “My prayer is that their lives and generosity will inspire current and future generations of Highlanders to live and give sacrificially for the cause of Christ. Their extraordinary lead gift makes it possible to make needed and long-awaited renovations to Gillette Hall. When completed, East Hall will provide a more accessible and modernized living and learning environment for the generations of Houghton women to come.”
“I am thankful for the team that has worked so hard over the last year to bring us to this point. From DCG Development, Bill Murphy and Derek Miller have been incredible partners, as have our longstanding partners at CPL and Kinley Corporation. At Houghton, this project is only possible because of the commitment and hard work of a dedicated team of campus leaders.”
The project is being undertaken by Houghton’s trusted building partners also located in Western New York, Kinley Contractors and CPL who is providing architectural, engineering and design services. In recent years, Houghton University has successfully completed major building projects on time and within budget starting with the Equestrian Event Center, completed in 2018, and renovation of the Paine Center for Science, completed in 2022.
“I could not be more grateful to Beverly and Donald Greene for their exceptional generosity and significant investment in future scholar-servants,” stated Karl Sisson, vice president for advancement and external engagement. “This multi-million-dollar capital project is a game-changer. The modernization of this iconic building will have a tremendous impact on residence life, setting the stage for an even brighter future for our residential campus.”
The renewal of Gillette Hall is the first phase of an overall residence renewal effort across Houghton’s campus. The next priority is the extensive renovation of Shenawana Hall, which opened in 1961. To learn more about supporting residence renewal, please contact the Houghton University Office of Advancement at (585) 567-9340 or advancement@houghton.edu.
