$2M Gift Will Help Upgrade Cary Institute HQ

MILLBROOK, NY -- A $2 million gift recently received by the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies will support the transformation of its Millbrook, New York headquarters into a sustainable facility necessary to advance 21st century science.

The leadership gift to the Campaign for Cary came from Zibby and Jim Tozer, longtime supporters of Cary Institute and its research for environmental solutions.

A two-year capital campaign was launched in 2020 to raise funds to reimagine the headquarters of one of the nation’s leading ecological research organizations. Staff are global experts in the ecology of cities, freshwaters, forests, infectious diseases, and the impact of climate change on ecological systems. The Tozers’ gift will allow Cary Institute to surpass its original public fundraising goal.

Scott Ulm, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Campaign for Cary, comments, “This is an extraordinary contribution from a family that has been instrumental in championing Cary Institute and its scientists. Zibby has been essential in recruiting new Trustees and founding the Aldo Leopold Society, a patron group that provides vital support to Cary Institute’s research and education programs.”

In recognition of their longtime support and generosity, Cary Institute will be naming the renovated headquarters the Tozer Ecosystem Science Building. An open house celebration is planned for April 8, 2022.

The renewed Millbrook, NY headquarters will have additional space for research and will be energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier for people and the planet. The $13 million project, designed by architects Becker + Becker, will be managed by Consigli Construction of Pleasant Valley.

When complete, the building will better serve scientific research, meet LEED Platinum standards, and feature state-of-the-art health protections informed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Renovations will create the collaboration space needed for 21st century science, while allowing us to thrive in Millbrook for decades to come,” said Dr. Joshua Ginsberg, Cary Institute president. “Our reimagined headquarters will benefit our 100+ staff, as well as the many students, educators, visiting scientists, local institutions, and guests who are vital to the Cary community. It’s an investment in our future, and a sign of our strong roots in Dutchess County.”

By choosing to renovate, rather than rebuild, Cary Institute will retain much of the building’s original footprint. Erected in the 1970s, it was architecturally celebrated and cutting edge in energy efficiency for the era.

Ginsberg explains, “We inherited a building that was made to last and constructed with high quality materials. We are reconfiguring the space and updating mechanicals, while retaining the best parts of its architectural design. This includes restoring the building’s original sawtooth roofline, which has been hidden for decades.”

Sustainability is at the heart of renovation plans. Updates to the building will allow Cary Institute to live its mission by eliminating reliance on fossil fuels and making its operations highly energy efficient. Forest Stewardship Certified wood and wood products, and recycled materials, will be used during renovations.

Cary Institute is working closely with Consigli to subcontract to local vendors, ensuring the project contributes to Dutchess County's recovery from COVID-19.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the building designs have been updated to ensure the wellness of all who enter. This includes updates to air handling systems, interior design, and conference room capacity, as well as touchless features, such as lighting, doors, and faucets. All will contribute to a healthier indoor environment.

Why execute a major renovation in the middle of a pandemic? Ginsberg explains, “Cary staff are currently working from home, or have established workspaces elsewhere on campus to adhere to social distancing recommendations. This means we can undertake the renovation of our headquarters with minimal further disruptions to our science. When it is safe to return to working and meeting in-person, we will come back to a renewed building outfitted with modern health and safety features, and built according to best sustainability practices.”

For more, go to caryinstitute.org.