To look at the three glistening new buildings in Columbia University's Manhattanville Campus now open, it is hard to believe this stretch of Manhattanville between Morningside Heights and Hamilton Heights ever looked desolate or forlorn. On the contrary, its future has never been brighter. Just across Broadway, beyond the Ivy League campus' boundaries, a cluster of new projects aim to coalesce the area's hodgepodge of worn buildings into a micro-business district (branded the Manhattanville Factory District) catering to startups and tech tenants wanting to call Upper Manhattan home.
The neighborhood's renaissance was set in motion by Columbia University president Lee Bollinger who in 2002 announced the development of a $6.3 billion 17-acre auxiliary campus between 125th to 133rd Streets, and from Broadway to Twelfth Avenue. The campus' first three buildings, all designed by Renzo Piano, are huddled near the intersection of Broadway and 125th Street. They are the Jerome L. Greene Science Center, Lenfest Center for the Arts, and The Forum. Ultimately, the Manhattanville campus will consist of 17 new buildings and the school aims to complete the plan by 2030. In the meantime, we take a look at the completed buildings and those underway.
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Left to right, Jerome L. Greene Science Center and The Forum. Credit: Frank Oudeman/Columbia University
The three Renzo Piano-designed buildings make a dramatic gateway to the new campus at the intersection of Broadway and 125th Street. The Jerome L. Greene Science Center hosts the Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, which aims to understand how the brain works and affects everything from disease to decision-making. The Lenfest Center for the Arts hosts the School of the Arts, the Wallach Gallery, and three additional venues for the presentation of visual arts, performances, and screenings. The Forum also serves to bring people together by way of a 430-seat auditorium with a 2,000-square-foot lobby with space for a wide range of activities.
Jerome L. Greene Science Center circa December 2019 via CityRealty
One block north, Columbia Business School's Henry R. Kravis Building and the Ronald O. Perelman Center for Business Innovation are under construction. Partly made possible through a $100 million donation, the Diller Scofidio + Renfro-designed structures will feature zig-zag cutaway facades that overlook a central green space. The designs include classrooms with the latest technology, dedicated recruitment and event space, an alumni welcome center, and flexible spaces that foster informal interaction.
All photography of Columbia Business School circa December 2019 via CityRealty
Columbia Business School as seen from the Riverside Drive Viaduct
Mixed-Use Hotel
On the northeast corner of Broadway and 125th Street, Margulies Hoelzli Architecture was tapped to draft studies for a 300,000 square foot, mixed-use development comprising of a hotel tower and residential tower sharing a commercial podium. The project is across from the 1 train's 125th Street station and is within NYCHA's Grant Houses complex. The development would replace a strip of mostly chain-store retailers that include a Duane Reade and Bank of America.
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Recently completed at 461 West 126th Street is Malt House, a 185,000-square-foot, 11-story project that will bring Class-A office, retail, and life science spaces. Developed by Janus Property and designed by Gluck+, the project already counts GBE as a tenant and rises from within the shell of a century-old brewery whose exterior walls, cast iron columns, brick vaulted ceilings, and dramatic steel structure will be preserved. The office spaces will have large floorplates, floor-to-ceiling windows, and accessory outdoor areas totaling 25,000 square feet.
Malt House circa December 2019 via CityRealty
The Mink Building
The Mink Building via Janus Property Company
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The 11,000-square-foot building at 1361 Amsterdam Avenue has had a rich history as home to the Bernheimer and Schwartz Pilsner Brewing Company, the Interborough Fur Storage Company, and now an innovative commercial bioscience lab. Janus Property Company carefully restored its historic facade while transforming the interiors with state-of-the-art lab space, a chemical fume hood, a vacuum system, a gas generator for freezers, and an autoclave pressure chamber. It takes shape on an increasingly rich scientific and creative block, yet professionals all over the city will appreciate the many convenient commuting options nearby.
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The Taystee Building via Janus Property
Across West 126th Street, Janus Property is hard at work on the long-planned redevelopment of the Tastee Bakery site. Appropriately called the Taystee Lab Building, the eleven-floor project will bring 350,000 square feet of brand new Class A space to the Factory District. Designed by LevenBetts, the building will be clad in expanses of glass and steel to invoke the neighborhood's past while bringing it into the future. Two lobbies will provide convenient access and be awash in incredible natural light. Upstairs, several office interiors will open to expansive terraces. The building will seek LEED Silver certification and offers several economic incentives for prospective tenants.
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410 West 126th Street
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Last fall, building applications were filed at 410 West 126th Street to construct a 16-floor mixed-use tower with hotel rooms and residential apartments above. A recent visit to the block, located between Morningside and Amsterdam Avenues, shows that construction is well underway. According to city property records, the lot is owned by Columbia International who paid $2.1 million for the 182-foot-long site in 2014. There does not appear to be any relationship between the owner and Columbia University.
The permit lists Peter Poon Architects (PPA) as the applicant of record. Renderings on the firm's website show a pale green glass facade with metal details that echo the Renzo Piano-designed buildings of Columbia University nearby. A deeper look into the permits shows that lower levels will have a 47-car garage, a swimming pool, commercial food court, and an art gallery. There will be 124 hotel guest rooms on floors three through six and 93 apartments on floors 7-15. Residential amenities will include a bike room, storage, a fitness room, and an outdoor roof terrace.
Construction progress circa December 2019 via CityRealty
410 West 126th Street with the Taystee Lab building in background
600 West 125th Street
Photo circa December 2019 via CityRealty
At the beginning of the month, Columbia University filed an application for a new 34-story, 142-unit building. While not officially part of the Manhattanville campus expansion, it will nevertheless provide housing for graduate students and faculty. CetraRuddy is the architect of record, and The Real Deal reports that Columbia signed a deal for McDonald's to return as a ground-floor tenant. Residential amenities will include an exercise room, library, lounge, children's playroom, game room, laundry room, and private terraces on several stories. Construction is expected to start in the new year, and completion is estimated for 2022.
17 Convent Avenue
17 and 52 Columbus Avenue is a two-building condominium project designed by Alexander Compagno. All residences feature open layouts, exceptional light and air, Brazilian oak floors, and energy-efficient appliances in the kitchens. Amenities include a fitness center with yoga room, rear courtyard with grill, roof deck with city views, a lounge, a bike room, and a package room. However, the most highly coveted perk of all may be a 15-year tax abatement. Current availabilities start at $981K for a two-bedroom.
Rendering via CityRealty
Construction is underway on a new two-building, 69-unit residential development designed by Aufgang Architects. Both buildings will share a courtyard and 35 parking places. Indoor amenities will include a bike room and laundry room. Completion is estimated for early 2021.
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
Just complete the info below.
Or call us at (212) 755-5544
Would you like to tour any of these properties?
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