Columbia Housing Opens First All-Electric Residence Hall

The building includes 76 double rooms and seven single rooms, with each floor offering seven single-use restrooms and a common space with a kitchenette, seating, and television. In addition to a lounge on the lower level, the building features three courtyards for students to enjoy and build community. 611 W. 112th Street is also fully accessible to support disability access, with accessible student rooms and restrooms, a new entrance ramp, and elevator.

"This project allowed us to reimagine what a modern residence hall can be—We're not just renovating a building; we're advancing our vision for the future of undergraduate residential life at Columbia," said David M. Greenberg, executive vice president for University Facilities and Operations.

In line with Columbia’s Plan 2030 sustainability goals and in compliance with Local Law 97, 611 W. 112th Street is fossil fuel free, with an estimated 43 percent reduction in carbon emissions compared to a standard NYC residence hall. It also features specialized heating and cooling systems, green roof trays, high-performance windows, variable refrigerant flow heat pumps, and more.

Columbia University leaders, staff and students gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 20 the building's official opening. 

“We could not be more thrilled with 611 W. 112th Street – its positive impact on sustainability, its historic restoration, and most of all, its opportunities for building community and enhancing on-campus living for Columbia’s undergraduate students,” said Scott Wright, vice president for Campus Services. “We cannot wait for the building to come alive with its inaugural residents.”

This marks an important moment for Columbia Housing and its residential students, with the historic renovation of Hartley Hall is now underway.