DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez and City College of New York (CCNY) President Vincent Boudreau this week toured construction sites on CCNY’s West Harlem campus to view projects that will create lasting improvements for student learning.
DASNY, the Dormitory Authority of New York State, is currently managing 44 active projects valued at more than $383 million for CCNY.
DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, “DASNY is proud to work with CCNY to create spaces that enhance students’ educational experiences. For nearly five decades, DASNY has collaborated with CCNY to construct and renovate numerous facilities that promote learning, foster community, and support students’ academic growth. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CCNY to deliver projects that support and inspire future generations of students."
CCNY President Boudreau said, “City College has a historic and complex physical campus. As we near completion of our master planning process, we welcome the opportunity to give President Rodriguez an up-close view of some of our largest and most impactful ongoing projects. I'm deeply grateful for President Rodriguez’s generosity in spending time with us and look forward to working with DASNY to preserve and develop our beautiful campus.”
President Rodriguez noted that DASNY has managed hundreds of millions of dollars in the historic restoration of CCNY’s neo-Gothic buildings, including Shepard Hall, Harris Hall, Compton-Goethals Hall, Baskerville Hall, and Wingate Hall. These original campus buildings were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Additionally, DASNY managed the construction of CUNY’s Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), a state-of-the-art, glass-enclosed laboratory designed to foster groundbreaking discoveries in medicine and technology. This facility is adjacent to the Center for Discovery and Innovation, another cutting-edge science building managed by DASNY. Together, these two facilities represent an investment of approximately $700 million.
Currently City College of New York has $585.7 million energy-efficiency projects managed by DASNY. These upgrades range from the installation of high-efficiency lighting to the replacement of outdated heating and cooling systems. In addition, DASNY is currently managing a large renovation project that is under design. The scope of the project includes renovating a significant portion of the building to create a new, state-of-the-art performance and education facility while preserving the structure's original design. The work will involve the complete renovation of two theater spaces (including new seating, lighting, AV systems, and finishes), a complete overhaul of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, the construction of a new ADA-compliant elevator to provide access to most of the building, and landscaping work.
The tour included the following active DASNY-managed construction sites:
- Aaron Davis Hall: The Hall is home to the Department of Theatre and Speech's mainstage productions, and houses three theaters: The Marian Anderson Theater, a 750-seat traditional proscenium space; Theater B, a flexible theater with 110-265 seats; and Theater C, a 75-seat space which doubles as a studio classroom. The building has large dressing rooms, scenery and costume shops, and the Green Room. There is a "smart" classroom designed for our theatre history and design classes. It also boasts a large lobby and exhibition area.
- Marshak Hall Plaza. Constructed in 1971, Marshak Hall houses the Division of Science and the Athletic Department. This project involves renovating approximately 9,100 square feet of Marshak Plaza, providing the college community with a new outdoor recreation center.
- Firehouse Art Studios Renovation. This project involves transforming the former Hook and Ladder Company 23 firehouse at 504 West 140th Street into a community gallery and studio spaces for CCNY’s Master of Fine Arts program and Graduate Art Program. Upon completion, the facility will include new stairs and an elevator, modernized mechanical systems, a new entrance, a restored façade, a fabrication shop, art studios, and support spaces.
- Spitzer Hall: The creation of a new robotics lab and the renovation of the outdoor atrium.