October 17, 2024

MSM continues to make capital improvements to our historic Morningside Heights/West Harlem campus—ensuring that our facilities have a level of excellence that our students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders can enjoy and be proud of.

For the 2023–24 and 2024–25 academic years, MSM budgeted approximately $2.9 million each year to fund capital improvements throughout campus, including the main building constructed in the early 1900s, as well as Andersen Hall, the student residence building, which opened in 2001.

Here are highlights of how those resources are being deployed for our capital initiatives:

Wheelchair Lift Connecting Student Union and Cafeteria

Classroom Technology Upgrade Initiative

Miller Hall and Ades Performance Space Audio Visual Modernization

Earlier this calendar year, the AV systems within Miller Recital Hall and Ades Performance Space were replaced with modern technology. These new AV systems and infrastructure will help our Production and Recording Arts and Distance Learning staff to support faculty and students to provide a high level of quality and service for the many performances that take place in those spaces each year.

Network Security and Reliability Improvements

We also made significant investment in upgrades to both the wired and wireless network infrastructure. New cabling was added while some old cabling was replaced or upgraded; dated switches and access points were replaced with modern equipment. For example, 60 dated access points were replaced with modem access points, and we’ve deployed 40 new access points to improve Wi-Fi access throughout campus. Overall, network security was enhanced while speed and reliability are much improved.

Please share your experiences, including positive ones, with the IT Helpdesk by sending an email to helpdesk@msmnyc.edu.

Orto Center for Distance Learning and Recording Arts Upgrades

Earlier this year, we completed construction of a new recording studio control room across from Miller Recital Hall. This new space significantly expanded the recording and streaming capabilities of the Orto Center, bringing video and streaming services to Ades Performance Space and allowing for more private recording session bookings in Miller Recital Hall.

MSM’s distance learning and streaming capabilities have also been increased with the replacement of other outdated equipment in other areas of the school.

Andersen Hall Lobby “Storefront” Window Replacement

Prior to students moving into Andersen Hall last month, the large window behind the Andersen Hall security desk was replaced. The former window was a source of continuing water leaks that caused damage inside the lobby. The new window set is also more energy efficient and will reduce energy costs in the space.

Andersen Hall 6th-Floor Lounge Refresh

Earlier this calendar year, we completed a much-needed refresh of the 6th-floor Residence lounge located within Andersen Hall. The improvements included new lighting, a new entertainment system, and new furniture to help make the lounge a more welcoming and functional space for our more than 500 student residents.

Sidewalk Replacement and Retaining Wall Repair/Replacement

Two major projects surrounding MSM’s campus were recently begun. One is the replacement of our sidewalks abutting MSM’s campus, on Claremont Avenue, West 122nd Street, and Broadway. These sidewalks, especially on the Broadway side, were in rough shape and in need of replacement. Although our sidewalks are public right-of-way, MSM is responsible for their maintenance, repair, and replacement. Weather permitting, the work will continue until the project is completed; otherwise, there may be a slight pause in the work.

Additionally, the nearly 100-year-old retaining wall on the corner of Claremont Avenue and W. 122nd Street is in need of work. Sections of that wall will be repaired, while others will be entirely replaced.

Both of these exterior projects are being completed to maintain safety for our students, employees, and pedestrians who come to or walk past campus each day.

Periods of noise and disruption are inevitable, but we will mitigate disruptions as much as possible. During this time, access to and egress from campus on Claremont Avenue will be temporarily modified on a rolling basis, while also ensuring necessary egress is maintained from each building in case of an emergency.

Our contractor has secured the necessary permits to restrict parking in order to maintain a safe walkway in the street. Those detours to provide safe walking paths will also be maintained on an ongoing basis.

Signs will be posted, and our security team will be available to assist as needed.

Thanks to all our colleagues who contributed to the planning and execution of these important projects!

Questions?

facilities@msmnyc.edu