Construction Highlights From Fiscal Year 2022

A view of the Wallach Esports Lounge with the two rows of gaming computers up against opposite walls, with ambient lighting throughout.

Fiscal Year 2022 was an important and productive one for Facilities and Operations.  Throughout the year, Facilities and Operations worked behind the scenes to initiate and complete a wide range of projects, large and small, from the completion of two new buildings to residential hall improvements. The following provides a snapshot of key projects were completed during the fiscal year, aimed to improve the campus experience.

A view of Henry R. Kravis Hall during the evening, illuminated by interior lights.
  • New buildings were completed for Columbia Business School - Henry R. Kravis and David Geffen Halls - allowing the School to move to Manhattanville for the spring 2022 semester.  A new 40,000 square-foot public green space called The Square opened in between the new buildings, creating a flexible and collaborative space for outdoor gatherings, lectures, meetings, and performances for the community.
  • Residence hall upgrades, included the ESPORTS Room in Wallach Lounge, which offers students a best-in-class e-gaming experience complete with a four-panel video wall, 18 gaming consoles, and more. The lounge in John Jay Hall was refreshed to improve the overall look and make it a more inviting and comfortable place for undergraduate students to gather, and included enhanced AV and sustainability features.
A refreshed lab with white finishes, full of equipment.
  • Renovated laboratories, including a new genomics lab and animal care and research facility in Fairchild.
A classroom with several tables pushed together to form one long conference table in a classroom.
  • Academic space improvements, including renovated and redesigned classrooms in Pulitzer Hall to support hybrid classes, and refreshed classrooms in Warren Hall that were brightened up with LED lighting upgrades, new carpeting, fresh paint, and more. 
A view of the renovated lobby within the Nash Building, which new turnstiles and blue security desk.
  • Administrative space upgrades included core infrastructure improvements at the Nash Building, which included an expanded lobby, new turnstiles, and two new building elevators.
A rendering of the new tennis center, a large rectangular structure alongside the Harlem River.
  • Athletics facilities enhancements included a new turf and sprinkler system for the Columbia Field Hockey Stadium at the Baker Athletics Complex, a newly built dock at Muscota Marsh Park for Columbia Rowing teams and boaters in the Harlem River, and a refinishing of Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium with new on-court graphics.  In addition, construction began on a new, state-of-the art Tennis Center, which is targeted for completion in winter 2022.
A before and after comparison of the granite steps at the 114th Street entrance, showing even, polished granite steps and a new brass handrail.
  • Pathway repairs were made at Carman and John Jay Gates and the northeast entrance of Low Library, reconstructing the pathways with new granite and brick to create a more secure walking surface.  New handrails were also installed at Low Plaza.
An excavated pit with large green pipes running overhead at the 600 W. 125th Street construction site.

  • Progress continued in Manhattanville on the new 34-story building to house graduate students and faculty members on the southwest corner of 125th Street and Broadway.