In order to accommodate and consolidate essential Columbia University administrative departments, Columbia University Facilities is designing and retrofitting portions of the Studebaker Building: 615 West 131st Street. A former assembly plant of the Studebaker automotive company, 615 West 131st Street is a building in which Columbia leases four full floors.

The construction phase of this project will consist of the renovation and upgrade of base building systems including HVAC, electrical, fire protection, plumbing, telecommunications and elevators. It will also include the interior renovation of the first through sixth floors as well as window replacements. When completed by the fall of 2007, this location will be home to over 600 Columbia University administrators.

The Studebaker project is an example of Columbia University’s commitment to Minority, Women-owned and Locally-based (MWL) business enterprise participation in its construction efforts. Construction Management for this project is a joint venture between Skanska and Full Spectrum Development of NY, a Harlem-based, minority construction firm. Architecture for this project is being performed by the Switzer Group, a leading New York City-based, minority business enterprise.

615 West 131st Street, between Broadway and 12th Avenue, and between 131st and 132nd Streets. A former Studebaker automobile assembly plant (hence the muscular freight elevator). Brick construction with white terra cotta (or porcelein?) trim, 6 stories, plot size 175x200 feet, floorspace 210,000 square feet. Blue Studebaker logos still visible on the southwest corner near the top.

Tentative Milestones
Start Date End Date Phase
01/15/2006 10/30/2007 Core & Shell Upgrades
03/15/2006 03/15/2007 5th Floor Renovation
08/01/2006 07/15/2007 3rd & 4th Floor Renovations
09/15/2006 07/15/2007 1st and 2nd Floor Renovations
06/01/2007 06/01/2008 6th Floor Renovations