Frequently Asked Questions

The new research building will be built on property owned by Columbia University on the corner of 167th Street and Audubon Avenue.

The new research building will be the cornerstone of our revitalized biomedical research park. This state-of-the-art facility will be home to dozens of researchers in genetics and genomics, systems biology, biochemistry, pathology, molecular biology, immunology, and many other specialties. Whether the focus is ophthalmology or heart disease, the physicians and scientists who work in this building will be unified by the same goal of expanding knowledge to make the practice of medicine more accurate, safer, and more effective for patients.

The modern, eight-story structure will provide the space to ensure the highest standards of research that makes the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons one of the premier medical schools in the world.

The new research building will feature the following elements:

• Art and green walls
• Symposium space
• Administrative and research space
• Interconnected collaboration and relaxation spaces
• Ground floor atrium that will connect to adjacent School of Nursing Building and Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion

KPF Architects, an award-winning architectural firm in partnership with Jacobs Lab Consultancy, is the Project Architect. KPF has extensive experience in designing life sciences research facilities for major medical institutions and is a leader in sustainable research building design.

The 77,000-square-foot facility will be approximately eight stories above ground.

As is current practice, Columbia will coordinate with the community to make space available whenever possible.

Columbia is committed to using sustainable design and aims to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards for the new research building. LEED, an internationally recognized green building certification system, provides third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built to improve performance in energy savings, water efficiency, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources.

The use of advanced air source heat pump heating and heat recovery lab ventilation will be combined with a high-performance envelope where glazing areas and shading elements are optimized based on solar orientation and daylight quality.

Additionally, the new research building will only use electrically generated hot water, enabling the future retrofit of the nearby Russ Berrie Medical Science Pavilion thermal plant and carbon-neutral operations for the entire block.

Demolition of the parking lot located at the corner of 167th Street and Audubon Avenue will begin in early summer 2024. Construction of the new research building will begin shortly thereafter and will last until approximately late fall 2026.

To minimize the impact on local neighbors as well as the Audubon School during peak hours, the regular work hours for the new research building site are 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

While construction will typically begin at 7 a.m., in situations where equipment and materials must be delivered, the contractors will have to complete this work as early as possible, sometimes before 7 a.m. These events are the exception and often occur with little lead time.

Should a situation arise that requires an earlier start time or after-hours work, Columbia will promptly notify surrounding neighbors and the Audubon School as best as it can.

It is anticipated that the noisiest work will occur during the beginning of the project. Once the building is enclosed, construction noise should be minimal.

Construction of the new research building will use clean construction techniques that include air monitoring as well as dust, noise, and vibration mitigation, pest control, and waste management, as part of a comprehensive strategy to be environmentally sustainable throughout and after the life of the project.

The medical center will also coordinate with city agencies to minimize parking and traffic impacts, as well as to maximize pedestrian-friendly areas.

Yes. As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Columbia University is committed to ensuring that minority-, women-, and locally owned (MWL) businesses participate fully in Columbia’s contracting opportunities.

For questions about the project, please email facilities@cumc.columbia.edu.