Department of Pharmacology Expansion

We renovated and converted an amphitheater, offices, corridors, and restrooms on several floors of the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Building into a new, state-of-the-art wet laboratory research facility for the Department of Pharmacology under the leadership of Dr. Corinne T. Abate-Shen. 

The new laboratories will support the work of Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Chair Dr. Corinne Abate-Shen.
A renovated laboratory featuring multiple empty lab bences
In addition to new wet laboratory space, the renovated floors include new administrative and support space for the department.
Several rooms with glass walls align a dark wood floor hallway
In addition to new wet laboratory space, the renovated floors include new administrative and support space for the department.
Next to a door to a laboratory is a lab sink
As part of the renovation efforts, new partitions were installed. Photo Credit: CUIMC Facilities Management.
Wall framing is being installed
New concrete flooring was poured in September 2022, separating the former two-story amphitheater into two floors. Photo Credit: CUIMC Facilities Management.
Construction progress continues in the VP&S Amphitheater 5/7 as of August 2022.
Construction continues in the VP&S Amphitheater 5/7
Demolition progress in the VP&S Amphitheater 5/7 as of May 2022. Credit: Pavel Bendov.
Demolition progress in the VP&S Amphitheater 5/7 as of May 2022
In February 2022, demolition began in the VP&S Amphitheater 5/7. Credit: Nicole Pereira.
Demolition begins in the VP&S Amphitheater 5/7
A before shot of the VP&S Amphitheater 5/7
An amphitheater filled with rows of wooden chairs with stickers on the chair backs
A before shot of the VP&S Amphitheater 5/7.
Rows of chairs with stickers on the backs of the seats located in an ampitheater

Amphitheater 5/7 Renovation Project Fact Sheet

Project Location: Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Building, Amphitheater 5/7

Client: Department of Pharmacology

Project Program: Renovated laboratories and administrative support spaces 

Project Scope: Gut renovation/conversion of a multi-floor amphitheater; major infrastructure replacement

Project Area: 6,644 GSF

Architect: HLW

MEP Engineer: AKF Group

Commissioning Agent:

Contractor: Structure Tone   

Project Manager: Fernando Bedoya

Project Status: Completed

7th Floor Renovations Project Fact Sheet

Project Location: Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Building, 7th floor

Client: Department of Pharmacology

Project Program: Office conversion to wet research laboratory space 

Project Scope: Gut renovation/conversion of existing office space; major infrastructure replacement

Project Area: 3,174 GSF

Architect: Mitchell Giurgola Architects, LLP

MEP Engineer: AKF Group

Commissioning Agent: Enica Engineers

Contractor: Structure Tone

Project Manager: Fernando Bedoya

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 this project, please contact Fernando Bedoya, senior project manager, at fb2330@cumc.columbia.edu.

March 2023

  • Construction is complete.
  • Final furniture installations and occupant relocations will take place over several weeks.

February 2023

  • Substantial construction activity is anticipated to be finished in VP&S Amphitheater 5/7 later this month.
  • Once completed, new furniture will be installed.

January 2023

Construction activity continues to take place in VP&S Amphitheater 5/7. 

  • Ongoing work includes the construction of new ceilings, painting, and installation of new flooring and new casework.
  • The installation of new supplemental A/C units for the specialized equipment rooms continues this month.
  • Renovation efforts also continue in the men's, women’s, and single-stall restrooms located on the 7th floor.
  • We also are replacing the hallway ceilings and exterior windows in the hallways adjacent to the project areas on the 5th and 7th floors.

December 2022

Construction activity continues to take place in VP&S Amphitheater 5/7. 

  • Ongoing work included the construction of new ceilings, painting, and installation of new flooring and new casework.
  • We also began to replace the hallway ceilings and exterior windows in the hallways adjacent to the project areas on the 5th and 7th floors.

November 2022

  • Ongoing work included the construction of new partitions, electrical roughing, plumbing, and mechanical piping installation, and ductwork installation.
  • Renovation efforts also continued in the men's, women’s, and single-stall restrooms located on the 7th floor.

October 2022

  • Ongoing work included the construction of new partitions, electrical roughing, plumbing, mechanical piping installation, and ductwork installation.
  • Renovation efforts also began in the men's and women’s restrooms located on the 7th floor.
  • Additionally, construction began on a new single-stall, ADA restroom on the 7th floor.

September 2022

  • Installation of new steel framing, decking, and concrete pour for new floor has been completed.