Alumni Auditorium Renovation Starts May 2017

Rendering by MdeAS Architects

The College of Physicians and Surgeons Building and the William Black Building currently have fortress-like exterior facades, congested entry conditions, outdated lobbies and connecting public spaces, and suboptimal interior spaces behind the lobbies. By erecting a welcoming glass façade and reconfiguring the interior spaces, Columbia University Medical Center will create an open, collaborative, and supportive physical environment for staff, students, and visitors to gather, share ideas, and innovate.

Shortly after this year’s commencement activities, we will begin renovating Alumni Auditorium. Once completed, the renovated space will offer a welcoming glass façade, an airy lobby, and enhancements to the auditorium. We anticipate that renovations will be completed in summer 2018.

Highlights of what to expect:

  • Alumni Auditorium will be temporarily closed from 5 p.m. on Friday, May 19, through 11 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2017. A sidewalk bridge will be installed on 168th Street in front of Alumni Auditorium at 9:30 p.m. on May 19 and will remain in place for the duration of the project.
  • Beginning September 1, 2017, Alumni Auditorium will reopen and be available for classes and events; the auditorium lobby, however, will remain closed until the project has been completed in summer 2018. During this time, a temporary façade enclosure will be constructed and will remain in place until the new glass façade is complete.

While the renovations are in progress, temporary sidewalk/street barriers, directional signs, and modified access routes will be put in place to safely redirect pedestrian traffic. There will also be periods of intermittent construction-related noise.

We will provide progress updates as the renovation efforts continue. You may also sign up for building alerts to stay informed. For questions or concerns related to this project, please contact CUMC Facilities Management at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3, or email cumc.facilities@columbia.edu.

Updated May 9, 2017