Columbia University Housing

Ruggles

Ruggles offers really unique suite-style living with incredible character, such as original moldings and fireplaces in many of the rooms. During the summer 2006, we began a renovation project to maintain that charm, while updating the bathrooms and kitchens will maximize space and make them more functional. In addition, new flooring was installed to freshen up the spaces and make them more allergen-free.

For the summer of 2007 we will continue this project in two phases:

Phase 1 – The 8-person suites from 8^th floor down on both sides will get the common space needed to make these warm community spaces. Currently the kitchens can accommodate only 1 person at a time; we will create full-sized kitchens to accommodate 6+ for sit-down meals and group social space. In addition, bathrooms will be expanded and completely renovated.

Phase 2 (Summer 2008)– The 4-person suites will receive updates similar to the 2-person suites completed last summer, installing more functional kitchens and bathrooms and allergen-free flooring.

McBain

After the extensive renovations completed in McBain last summer, it is exciting to announce yet another improvement that will drastically improve student life. Currently there is only one elevator for the building, which holds a maximum of 4-5 students at any time. We will be installing an additional elevator to double capacity. This brand-new smart technology elevator will work in a more efficient manner. For example, if a student on the 5^th floor calls the elevator at the same time everyday for their 9am class. The elevator will store that information and begin to be available at the 5^th floor at 9am automatically. The estimated completion date for this project is Spring 2008.

Woodbridge

Inconsistent and inefficient heating and hot water has been an issue in Woodbridge. To address this, we will be replacing the boiler and installing temperature sensors at points throughout the building. These sensors will monitor the ambient temperature to help keep temperatures at a consistent 70 degrees. The system will then react to the actual temperature rather than the on-off-only option of the current system. We are also researching the possibility of fueling the new boiler with biofuel to reduce environmental impact and make it a green boiler. In addition to the boiler, we will be replacing the windows, which will offer better insulation and reduce drafts.

Wien

Over the summer we will be replacing ALL of the doors in Wien. Not only will they be more aesthetically pleasing but they will not have the vents that the current doors have. This will allow for better soundproofing and a better private space for students. In addition, these doors will offer Ving Card locks for more convenient access. Bathrooms will be changed over to single-sex bathrooms on alternate floors.

November Update: The Wien Food Court has closed. Construction has begun in that space to accommodate the relocation of several Health Services Departments, Alice! Health Promotion Program, Administration, and Insurance.

This move, scheduled for early next year, will result in service improvements for students: additional examination and consultation rooms will be added to the 3rd and 4th floors of John Jay, creating more same-day appointments, as well as confidentiality; the new configuration of the insurance department will also create more privacy. Additionally, the Office of Disability Services will become much more accessible by moving from the 8th floor of Lerner, which is not ADA-compliant, to the 7th. This will give Counseling and Psychological Services room to add more private exam space.

If you are missing the Food Court, don't despair, the Mill Korean is now relocated to Carleton Lounge. Also try Lenfest Cafe, located right next door in Greene Hall, which offers a great seating area, chef-prepared sushi, and daily specials from the grill.

Brownstones

Two yet-to-be-determined brownstones will receive complete updates this summer, including improvements to both the infrastructure and aesthetics. They will receive new bathrooms and kitchens, refinished floors, improved lighting, and brand-new furniture.

Pointing

ALL brownstones on 114^th Street will get a complete façade makeover, as well as Furnald, Hogan, Hartley, and Wallach.

Roofs

Furnald, Carman, East Campus, Hogan, Shapiro, and Wien will all have roof work done this summer.

Investment

You may be reading this and think that pointing and new roofs don’t impact your life as a student, but we believe that these renovations dramatically improve the quality of life for our students. By addressing multiple needs within one renovation project (ie. assessing each building holistically), we are able to create environments that are more than just cosmetic upgrades, but also functional, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally conscious living spaces for students. To this end, we have increased the reinvestment in our buildings by 20%.