Hartley Hall Full-Building Renovation and Infrastructure Upgrade

What is Happening

Beginning in mid-November 2025, a full-building renovation and infrastructure upgrade will commence in Hartley residence hall. Originally built in 1905, Hartley Hall’s last major upgrade was in the 1980s and the current interior spaces are outdated. The project will bring Hartley Hall to the current building code and best practice standards. The scope of work includes the upgrade of student rooms, bathrooms, offices, the main lounge, floor lounges, public corridors, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing modernization as well as new fire alarm system and fire alarm protection upgrades. The project will also improve disability access and will be constructed consistent with the University’s sustainability goals.

Project Phases

The overall scope of work includes the following phases:

Mobilization (November/December 2025):
- Contractor mobilization on site
- Erection of a construction fence and protection around Hartley Hall on the campus side and on the east side of the building at Amsterdam Ave.
- Installation of a construction hoist and pedestrian walkway on Amsterdam Ave.
- Establishment of a work zone on Amsterdam Ave. for loading and unloading of materials
Demolition and Abatement (November 2025 to June 2026):
- Demolition of interior partitions, gypsum board ceilings, and plumbing fixtures
- Abatement of plaster ceilings and flooring tile. All asbestos abatement will be performed by fully licensed professionals in strict compliance with federal, state, and city regulations. The work area will be fully sealed and secured, and only trained personnel in protective equipment will be allowed in the containment areas inside. Air quality will be monitored by an independent third-party to ensure all asbestos is safely removed. Once the work is complete, the area will be fully certified to be safe for occupancy.
Construction Fit-out (May 2026 to March 2027):
- Interior wall layout/framing
- Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection
- New electrical service
- Framing ceiling, drywall installation, plastering, and painting
- Installation of interior finishes, cabinets, ceilings, frames, and doors
- Installation of interior lighting and plumbing fixtures
Window Replacement (July 2026 to October 2026)
Scaffolding Removal (November 2026)
Regulatory Testing, Punchlist, Commissioning (February 2027 to April 2027):
- Commissioning, punchlist, turn-over, and acceptance
- Testing fire and life safety systems and local regulatory inspections

What to Expect

The following conditions and potential impacts are anticipated during the course of the project:

Installation of site fencing on the west side of Hartley Hall; sidewalk bridges and overhead protection on the east side of Hartley Hall on Amsterdam Ave.; and exterior hoist on Amsterdam Ave. in December 2025.
Demolition debris will be carted to a dumpster through a window opening from the building.
Noise from carting trucks to remove waste and debris, often arriving outside of regular work hours. Carting trucks are particularly prevalent during the demolition phase.
Noise from the exterior hoist operation.
Delivery trucks have a designated loading area along the west side of Amsterdam Ave. between 115th and 116th Streets to help mitigate construction traffic and idling.
A flag person will be available to direct pedestrian traffic on the west side of Amsterdam Ave. while site logistics are installed.
Parking will not be available on the west side of Amsterdam Ave. adjacent to Hartley Hall.
Construction workers will access Hartley Hall via Amsterdam Ave.
Expect noise, truck deliveries, and other impacts typically associated with construction projects.

Schedule

Regular work will take place during New York City standard construction hours, Monday through Friday, with after-hours work performed as needed in accordance with all required permits. Concerted effort will be made to minimize noisy work during the earlier hours of the workday, being mindful of the adjacent residence halls. Debris removal trucks may often arrive outside of regular work hours.

This project is anticipated to be complete May 2027.

NOTE: The construction hours and timeline is an estimate only that is subject to change due to field conditions and other external factors.

Sustainability

This project is pursuing LEED® Gold Certification, with key sustainability enhancements including an upgraded exterior envelope, energy-efficient window replacements, and improved heating and cooling systems.

Clean Construction

Columbia construction projects do the utmost to mitigate impacts to the surrounding learning and living environments. Measures include prioritizing electric equipment/tools when possible to reduce noise and exhaust emissions; maintaining a clean public site; using screens and misting systems to control dust; food waste management/integrated pest management; and using noise reduction blankets for exterior utility work when needed.