Northwest Corner Building 800 Level Lab Renovation

A view of the Northwest Corner Building lower floors during dusk, with light illuminating from the windows and Joe's Coffee.

What is Happening

Columbia University is performing a partial renovation of an existing wet lab on the 800 level of Northwest Corner Building for the the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS). The proposed scope of work includes the installation of new fume hoods and localized point exhaust armatures, ventilated enclosures, and new and modified lab casework and benches. Associated mechanical, HVAC controls systems, electrical, lighting, plumbing, fire and life safety systems will be modified as needed to accommodate lab equipment. The scope also includes general construction and new finishes. 

Project Scope and Phases

  • Installation of temporary wall and floor protection in the main corridor on the 800 level, temporary lighting and power.
  • Demolition of existing walls, ceilings, and services is anticipated to be scheduled on the 800 level in October. All demolition will take place after-hours.
  • Duct work, mechanical piping, sprinkler piping, conduit, and all related hangers for ceiling suspension, sheet rocking, and taping on the 800 level.
  • After-hours work will include core drilling of the existing ceiling slab to accommodate the new electrical panel.

 

Construction Fit-out (Oct 2025 to December 2025): 

  • Wall layout/framing
  • Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection
  • Framing ceiling, drywall installation, plastering and painting
  • Installation of interior finishes, casework and vented cabinets, ceilings and interior office window with hollow metal frame between Open Lab 804A and Student Office 804F
  • Installation of interior lighting and plumbing fixtures

 

Regulatory Testing, Punchlist, Commissioning (December 2025 to January 2026): 

  • Commissioning, punchlist, turn-over, and acceptance
  • Testing fire and life safety systems and local regulatory inspections

 

What to Expect

  • The 800 main circulation corridor will be used for material deliveries and removals.
  • Freight Elevator #800Z1 will be used for construction.
  • Expect noise, material deliveries, and other impacts typically associated with construction projects.

 

-Please note that all activities are subject to change-

 

Schedule

Regular work hours are 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. After-hours work will include demolition from 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and disruptive work prior to 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. This project is anticipated to be complete in January 2026. 

 

Clean Construction

Columbia construction projects do the utmost to mitigate impacts to the surrounding occupants. Measures to mitigate noise during this project include careful coordination to avoid disruptive work from occurring during office hours.