This fall, Barnard College will enter the initial phase of renovations to the 620 W. 116th St. Residence Hall, modernizing the building’s over 100-year-old infrastructure for a bold reimagination of the space’s social and environmental potential. Barnard’s Office of Capital Projects plans to begin preparation for the work in mid-November, which will precede installations of electric ranges in kitchens and air conditioning units in each residence.
“By modernizing the aging infrastructure of this building, we’re going to improve student well-being while simultaneously lowering our environmental footprint,” said Kelli Murray, Executive Vice President for Strategy and Chief Administrative Officer. “The renovation reflects our ongoing commitment to create the best student experience possible, and also to weave sustainable practices throughout our operations.”
Once completed, the renovations to 620 W. 116th St. will remake the student living experience. The modernized infrastructure means the College can begin to install ENERGY STAR-compliant electric ranges and air conditioning units, leading to a number of benefits for students and the broader Barnard community. Electric ranges require less maintenance over time, involve fewer health hazards, use less energy than cooking gas appliances, and improve indoor air quality. And those who have spent a summer in New York City will appreciate the transformative power of AC, providing much-improved comfort for living and learning.
620 W. 116th St. was built in 1906 and purchased by the College in 1971 to provide housing for a mix of upperclass students in singles, double rooms, and suites. The renovation is part of Barnard’s continued efforts to support and revitalize aging infrastructure across campus for this generation of students and the next. Earlier this year, 620 W. 116th St. experienced a gas outage which has prevented residents from using the gas stoves. While students use air fryers for food preparation in their suites, the outage provided the college an opportunity to improve the infrastructure over all.
The renovation will have direct and measurable impacts on both student life and Barnard’s broader sustainability goals, moving the College toward its pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 and tackle climate change. Other projects include the construction of the Roy and Diana Vagelos Science Center, scheduled to be New York City’s first net zero-operational carbon, all-electric, academic science building, opening fall 2026.
In another project designed to increase energy efficiency on campus, the lighting throughout Elliott Hall has been replaced with environmentally friendly LEDs.
Barnard will continue to work with its energy provider Con Edison and the City of New York to meet the needs of those living and working on campus. Further details about the timeline and products involved in the project are forthcoming.