New Construction Begins at Columbia University

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Construction and renovations began Feb. 11 on Bancroft Hall, a family housing residence located at the Teachers College of Columbia University.

CetraRuddy, a New York-based architectural and design firm, was awarded the architectural contract for the eight-story building, which was designed by Emery Roth in 1911 and first served as a luxury apartment hotel. The project will include both renewal of some existing building elements and new construction, and will soon comprise 95 apartments, down slightly from its original 108 units.

Teachers College engaged CetraRuddy because of the firm’s expertise in adaptive reuse of existing and historic structures, as well as its knowledge of housing and residence hall design. The firm has also worked with New York University, Weill-Cornell Medical Center, Touro College and Carnegie Hall.

“The firm has enjoyed a long tradition of renovating and renewing historical important buildings,” noted Associate Principal of CetraRuddy, Theresa Genovese, AIA LEED AP. “We are honored to be working on Teachers College Bancroft Hall at Columbia University and excited to enter into the construction phase of the process where we will begin to realize our planning efforts to update the student living to 21st century standards while retaining and respecting Emery Roth’s original architectural integrity.”

Prior to construction, CetraRuddy also conducted an extensive review of renovation of the building, which included developing new renovation standards and energy conservation initiatives, as well as developing strategies for both preservation and enhancement of the historic facility to better serve the college’s variety of student residents. Bancroft Hall had previously been reviewed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, which determined that the property was eligible for listing on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. However, the scope of current work will not impact the historic architectural details of the building’s façade or lobby.

Teachers College, which was originally independent, acquired the brick, granite and limestone structure in 1919 to address a student housing shortage. The facility has not undergone a major renovation since the 1940s, though some repairs have been made to the façade and units have been retrofitted with kitchenettes.

Current work on the structure will include replacement of the building’s plumbing, heating and electrical systems, and the installation of new elevators. Each apartment will be upgraded with new kitchens, bathrooms and finishes. The project will also repair and replace the existing front structural and waterproofing entranceway, and provide a modern fire protection and suppression system throughout the building. Additionally, some apartments will be reconfigured to provide Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant access, and enclosing the interior stairway to comply with local fire safety codes.
The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) completed an Environmental Quality Review of the facility and project in April 2012, clearing the way for the project. According to an announcement issued by the college in early 2013, preliminary work commenced on the 81,632-square-foot building in July of 2013. All construction is expected to be completed in two years or less, and the building is projected to reopen to residents in August 2015.