Alfred State College (ASC) architecture students in Design Studio 5 presented redevelopment concepts for the Village of Andover after an eight-week planning and design project. Two student teams unveiled their proposals to community members during a public presentation at the Andover Sports Banquet Center.
View a photo gallery from the presentation.
The proposals included ideas for economic development, community beautification, historic preservation, architectural rehabilitation, and new business opportunities aimed at enhancing quality of life for residents.
Led by professors Matt DiRado and Alan Vlakancic the students met with stakeholders from Andover, and Allegany County to learn more about the town, research the area, and then put together presentations that included vision boards, a formal presentation of their ideas, and an animated walking tour of the concepts proposed.
Animated Walking Tours – Group 1 – Group 2
“I couldn't be more pleased with both the students' work and the community's response to this year's project in Andover,” said DiRado. “With approximately 40 residents in attendance, this was one of the best attended community presentations we've hosted. It was exciting to see how engaged residents were with the proposals, from exploring the designs through virtual reality to participating in our interactive feedback exercise.
DiRado continued, “The students were incredibly professional, presented excellent work, and genuinely enjoyed discussing their ideas with residents. Many community members approached us afterward to express their appreciation and congratulate the students. That's what makes these projects so rewarding. It's not just about producing great student work but about starting meaningful conversations and helping communities envision what's possible for their future.”
Andover Mayor Tom Davis was excited to work with the architecture students again. “I was glad that Andover was given the opportunity to work with the architectural students again. The students came and they listened and spoke with residents. They left no stone unturned and presented a vision that Andover can use to make it their own. The students were noticeably present in the community and that stirred a lot of interest.”
Davis continued, “My hope is that we can implement the vision over time with the help of grant money and volunteerism. I liked the process of having the village residents assist in prioritizing the many proposals. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the students and faculty and am grateful for the expertise, creativity, and vision they brought to our community.”
The Architecture Department has partnered with communities throughout the region on similar planning and design projects, including Alfred, Andover, Angelica, Belfast, Belmont, Bolivar, Caneadea, Cuba, Fillmore, Friendship, and Wellsville.
Through projects such as this, Alfred State architecture students gain real-world experience while helping communities envision opportunities for future growth and revitalization.
