Construction Updates

What is Happening:

• Exterior 

  • Facade work continues

• Interior and Building Systems
  • Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems installations and testing continue.
  • Interior framing and shaft wall construction are nearly complete on all floors.
• Russ Berrie/School of Nursing

  • Beginning in September, construction crews will be making structural breakthroughs into Stairwell B of the Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion. The demolition work will last approximately one month, with complete stairwell work continuing for up to three months, depending on field conditions.

  • Construction of a new locker room continues.

What to Expect:

• Construction activity will be performed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
• After-hours construction of the lobby-level scaffolding will be performed on weeknights.
• Other after-hours and some weekend work may be required; we will notify you before after-hours or weekend work begins.  

Safety Initiatives:

• Safety barriers and air filters will protect all construction areas.  

Need More Information?

• For any community-related issues, please contact the Office of Academic and Community Partnerships at 212-305-8060 or cumcgca@columbia.edu.

What is Happening:

• Exterior 

  • The building’s concrete core and steel frame (superstructure) are now complete.

  • Facade work is well underway; most glass and curtain wall systems have been installed, with the exception of a few panels left out for logistics.

• Interior and Building Systems
  • Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are fully underway and in testing.
  • Interior framing and shaft wall construction are nearly complete on all floors.
  • Steel fireproofing is ongoing on upper floors.
• Russ Berrie/School of Nursing
  • Demolition and prep work in the Russ Berrie lobby is complete, and the vestibule design is finalized.
  • Construction of a new locker room has resumed.
  • Connection points to the Russ Berrie and the School of Nursing buildings are being established on all floors.

What is Happening:

• Exterior Work
  • The building’s concrete core and steel frame of the superstructure were completed.
  • Structural framing for wall panels continues.
  • Ductwork installation continues on the 3rd floor.
• Russ Berrie/School of Nursing
  • The relocation and installation of a new locker room continues.
  • Work continues on the passageways connecting the new building to the Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion and the School of Nursing building.

Special Alert: East Campus Traffic Patterns Impacted by Construction Activities

Due to construction activities, local traffic patterns at and around the site may be impacted by construction vehicles on select dates.

Beginning at approximately 7 a.m., we expect northbound St. Nicholas and southbound Audubon Avenues, as well as 167th St., to be impacted by frequent deliveries to the construction site. Deliveries will continue throughout both days. Flag persons will be on-site to direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Please observe posted road, sidewalk, and parking restrictions during this time.

What is Happening:

• Exterior Work
  • Concrete formwork for the new building continues.
• Russ Berrie Lobby Work
  • The relocation and installation of a new, relocated lobby security desk and locker room continues.
• School of Nursing 7th Floor
  • Construction of a passageway to the new building begins on Saturday, January 11. Access to the 7th floor interconnected space between Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion, School of Nursing building and the new research building will be restricted until the completion of the project.
  • Protection barriers will be installed along the southeast corner of the 7th floor terrace on Wednesday, January 15, and Thursday, January 16. Access to the southeast corner of the terrace will be restricted until the project is completed. 

Special Alert: Modified Parking and Sidewalk Access on 167th Street and Audubon Avenue

Beginning Friday, October 4, access to the sidewalk and parking along Audubon Avenue and 167th Street will be modified to accommodate construction scaffolding. 

The following sidewalks and parking lanes will temporarily be unavailable and remain unavailable until construction ends:

• Audubon Avenue: A portion of the southbound parking lane and adjacent sidewalk between 168th and 167th Streets
• 167th Street: The northern sidewalk and all parking on both sides of the street between Audubon and St. Nicholas Avenues

Learn more

What is Happening:

• Russ Berrie Cellar-Level Work
  • Ongoing relocation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems
  • Partial ceiling demolition and construction of new mechanical rooms continue
  Russ Berrie Lobby-Level Work
  • Continued relocation of mechanical and sprinkler systems
  • Ongoing installation of a new lobby security desk and construction of a new locker room
  • First-floor access between the Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion and the Columbia University School of Nursing remains temporarily unavailable
  Exterior Work
  • Blacktop removal from the former street-level parking lot is underway
  • Concrete formwork for the new building is scheduled to begin in mid-October
  • Construction fencing is now in place along 167th Street and Audubon Avenue; site fencing has closed off the School of Nursing exit to 167th Street, the adjacent sidewalk, and several parking spaces; nearby trees and planters are being protected

Special Alerts:

• The Russ Berrie/School of Nursing Parking Garage is temporarily closed and will remain closed through the duration of construction. Access to the parking garage will be restricted to construction personnel only.
• First-floor access between Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion and Columbia University School of Nursing will be temporarily unavailable due to construction activity in the Russ Berrie lobby.  

What is Happening:

• Site Preparation
  • Sealing of interior windows in both the Russ Berrie and the School of Nursing buildings that face the new construction site
  • Planning and design for the new reception desk and locker room layout in the Russ Berrie lobby
  • Installation of temporary partitions and field offices in the former parking garage
• Russ Berrie Cellar-Level Work
  • Ongoing relocation of MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems
  • Demolition of existing mechanical rooms
  • Set-up of a temporary construction field office
• Russ Berrie Lobby-Level Work
  • Construction of temporary scaffolding above the passenger elevator lobby and loading dock entrance
  • Ceiling and lighting fixture replacement
  • Relocation of mechanical and sprinkler systems
  • Security desk relocation and installation of new building turnstiles
  • New locker room construction in progress