New Residential Building at Manhattanville Campus Street Tops Out

A signed steel beam is hoisted overhead with a large flag with a group of construction workers looking on.

On May 24, 2023, Facilities and Operations celebrated the hard work of the construction teams of 600 W. 125th Street through a topping out ceremony. The event recognized the completion of the 34-story building’s highest point with the signing of a ceremonial steel beam that was hoisted and installed to the top of the building.

Construction of the new 177,000 square foot building began in summer 2022 to create new housing for University graduate students and faculty members. It will include 142 apartments and 5,000 square feet of retail space on the ground level, which will be occupied by returning lessee, McDonald’s.

Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop with CetraRuddy Architecture as executive architect, the 177,000 square foot building follows the design, construction and sustainability principles established for the Manhattanville campus across the street. It features active ground floor retail use, transparent storefront façade that promotes safety and connectivity at the urban layer, and slender building volume that provides for light and air with its generous setbacks. 

An aerial rendering of 600 W. 125th Street with neighboring buildings and trees.

In line with the University's commitment to sustainability, the building was designed to include a high-performance façade, optimized equipment efficiency, limited gas usage to achieve long-term carbon emissions reductions, enhanced Clean Construction program, vegetated roofs, and stormwater detention. The project is currently tracking certification of LEED v4.0 Gold, similar to other new buildings at the Manhattanville campus.

A rendering of 600 W. 125th Street from the street behind the above ground subway, looking west.

In addition, the building achieved Fitwel® certification, earning three stars – Fitwel’s highest standard – in Fitwel Version 2.1 Multifamily rating for its design, construction, and sustainability principles as well as its commitment to resident health and well-being. Some criteria that helped 600 W. 125th Street to achieve its three-star rating include having a dedicated exercise room, views of nature from common spaces, close proximity to public transportation, acoustic control measures to minimize both interior and exterior sourced noises, as well as access to outdoor playgrounds, a bike share station, and bicycle parking.   

600 W. 125th Street is anticipated to be completed in 2024.