Citing a lack of available space for facility development, Columbia University has plans to expand into 18 acres northwest of the Morningside campus over the next 25-30 years into a neighborhood known as Manhattanville.

The university currently owns 53 percent of the land in the proposed site development and 20 percent is owned by the Metropolitan Transport Authority and Con Edison, according to Columbia officials. Columbia continues to negotiate for the remaining property.

In 1968, the university's plan to build a new gymnasium in Morningside Park helped spark student protest and police action on campus. The university was accused of running roughshod over community needs.

This time, the university has made efforts to consult with the community. Responding to community concerns, the plans include increasing the amount of open space, providing more north-south and east-west connectivity, and promoting a greater retail presence.

 
WHO?
  • Columbia University in the City of New York
  • Renzo Piano Building Workshop
  • Skidmore, Owings and Merill Architects
WHAT?
  • An 18-acre development of the area northwest of Columbia's current Morningside campus in west Harlem, which would provide space for academic, research and housing facilities, as well as retail.
WHEN?
  • Phase I: Next 10 years. School of the Arts on 125th Street, the Studebaker building on 131st Street and other facilities up to 130th Street.
  • Phase II: Next 25-30 years. North of 130th Street.
WHERE?
  • South boundary: 125th St.
  • North boundary: 133rd St.
  • East boundary: Broadway
  • West Boundary: 12th Street
    view map
WHY?
  • Columbia has the least square footage per student - 326 - of any Ivy League university.
  • Research facilities are considered outdated and in need
  • Manhattanville has a relatively low population density and is close to the Morningside campus

 
HOW?
  • Unified complex. The university plans to acquire all property in the proposed area.
  • Consultation process with the local community.
  • Public access on north-south and east-west axes.
  • 'Transparent' glass and steel construction to create openess
  • Increased retail presence

 

 
Source: Columbia University's "Info for our neighbors" and staff reporting
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Voice of Jeremiah Stoldt, director of Columbia University's plan for facilities management
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