Russ Berrie Stairwell Breakthrough Begin Early September 2025

Beginning on Saturday, September 6, construction crews will begin work that involves making structural breakthroughs into the Russ Berrie Building Stairwell B as part of the Vagelos Innovation Laboratories-related construction.

Highlights of What to Expect:

• This work will involve cutting through concrete and reinforcing with steel, which will generate noticeable noise, vibrations, and dust.
• Demolition activity in the stairwell will occur in approximately three-day increments, moving floor by floor. We anticipate the demolition work will last about one month, with complete stairwell work continuing for up to three months, depending on field conditions.
• While all safety and mitigation measures will be in place, please plan accordingly, as these disruptions may affect multiple floors.

For questions about this work, please contact Jerry Wang, senior project manager, at lw3005@cumc.columbia.edu.