Department of Ophthalmology

We modernized existing offices, corridors, and mechanical equipment facilities to accommodate the research and administration programs for the Department of Ophthalmology.

A before photo of the former CUIMC IT Help Desk located on the 2nd floor of Hammer Health Sciences Center. Credit: Pavel Bendov.
A before photo of the former CUIMC IT Help Desk location on Hammer 2
A before photo of student study spaces located on the 2nd floor of Hammer Health Sciences Center. Credit: Pavel Bendov.
A before photo of the student study space located on the 2nd floor of Hammer Health Sciences Center
Hammer 2 construction progress as of August 2022
Hammer 2 construction progress as of August 2022
Hammer 2 construction progress as of August 2022
Hammer 2 construction progress as of August 2022
Hammer 2 Post-Renovation
Presbyterian 18 Post-Renovation
Presbyterian 18 Post-Renovation

Project Fact Sheet: Hammer Health Sciences Building

Project Location: Hammer Health Sciences Building, 2nd floor

Client: Department of Opthalmology

Project Scope: Gut renovation for new research laboratories 

Project Area: 12,658 GSF

Architect: MGA

MEP Engineer: Vanderweil Engineers

Commissioning Agent: TBD

Contractor: TBD

Project Manager: Fernando Bedoya 

Project Status: Completed

Project Fact Sheet: Presbyterian Building

Project Location: Presbyterian Building, 18th floor

Client: Department of Opthalmology

Project Scope: Interior renovation of existing offices including new ceiling, light fixtures, millwork, furniture, etc.

Project Area: 9,700 GSF

Special Feature(s) or Highlight(s): Simulation workspace to be included for student use

Architect: Gensler

MEP Engineer: AKF

Contractor: Ideal Interiors

Project Manager: Jerry Wang

Project Status: Completed

Construction Progress Updates

Activities listed are subject to change based on approval, University events, other requirements, and unforeseen circumstances. While the renovations are being completed, there will be intermittent periods of increased noise, vibration, and dust.

For questions or concerns related to these projects, contact CUIMC Facilities Management at cumc.facilities@columbia.edu. 

February 2023

Hammer Health Sciences Center 2nd Floor

  • Construction activity continues to take place between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. After-hours and some weekend work may be required; we will notify you before after-hours or weekend work commences.
  • Second-floor restrooms are unavailable during this time. For public restrooms, please use the restrooms located on lower levels 1 and 2.
  • In addition to normal construction activity, there will be a temporary electrical shut down from 6 p.m. to approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, February 10.

Presbyterian Building 18th Floor

  • Demolition was completed; normal construction activity will take place in the 18100 and 18200 wings of the 18th floor between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. After-hours and some weekend work may be required; we will notify you before after-hours or weekend work commences.
  • There will be an impact on the shared corridor off the elevator lobby that serves the 18300 wing; site protection will be in place. There will be no impact on passenger elevators.

January 2023

Hammer Health Sciences Center 2nd Floor

Construction activity continues to take place between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. After-hours and some weekend work may be required; we will notify you before after-hours or weekend work commences.

  • Second-floor restrooms are unavailable during this time. For public restrooms, please use the restrooms located on lower levels 1 and 2.

Presbyterian Building 18th Floor

We will begin renovating several administrative offices located on the 18th floor of the Presbyterian Building in early January 2023.

  • Minor demolition activity will take place in the 18100 and 18200 wings of the 18th floor beginning in early January 2023.
  • Once demolition concludes, normal construction activity will take place between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. After-hours and some weekend work may be required; we will notify you before after-hours or weekend work commences.
  • There will be an impact on the shared corridor off the elevator lobby that serves the 18300 wing; site protection will be in place. There will be no impact on passenger elevators.

December 2022

Hammer Health Sciences Center 2nd Floor

Construction activity continues to take place between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. After-hours and some weekend work may be required; we will notify you before after-hours or weekend work commences.

Second-floor restrooms remain unavailable during this time. For public restrooms, please use the restrooms located on lower levels 1 and 2.

Crane Pick: Sunday, December 18, 6 a.m.-12 p.m.

From 6 a.m. to approximately 12 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, a crane will be used to transport a new air handling unit to the 2nd floor of Hammer Health Sciences Center as part of ongoing renovation efforts to that floor.

Highlights of What to Expect:

  • The crane will be located at the southwest corner of Fort Washington Avenue and 169th Street.
  • While vehicular and pedestrian traffic will remain available, please observe all posted road, sidewalk, and parking restrictions during this time. Flag persons will be on-site to direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic during the crane lifts.
  • Conference Room 101 located in the Knowledge Center will be temporarily unavailable during this time.
  • Dates and times listed are subject to change based on approvals, other requirements, and/or unforeseen circumstances.

November 2022

Hammer Health Sciences Center 2nd Floor

  • Construction activity continues to take place between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. After-hours and some weekend work may be required; we will notify you before after-hours or weekend work commences.
  • Ceiling work will occur above the Knowledge Center ceiling from 7 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. on November 5, November 12, and November 19. Read more.
  • Second-floor restrooms remain unavailable during this time. For public restrooms, please use the restrooms located on lower levels 1 and 2.

October 2022

Hammer Health Sciences Center 2nd Floor

  • Construction activity continues to take place between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. After-hours and some weekend work may be required; we will notify you before after-hours or weekend work commences.
  • Core drilling will occur above the Knowledge Center ceiling from 6 a.m. to approximately 8 a.m., Mondays through Fridays, from October 17 through October 28. 
  • Second-floor restrooms remain unavailable during this time. For public restrooms, please use the restrooms located on lower levels 1 and 2.

September 2022

Hammer Health Sciences Center 2nd Floor

  • Construction activity continues to take place between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. After-hours and some weekend work may be required; we will notify you before after-hours or weekend work commences.
  • Second-floor restrooms are unavailable during this time. For public restrooms, please use the restrooms located on lower levels 1 and 2.