Building-Wide Renovations Completed at 518 W. 111th Street

32 fully renovated apartments, all-electric building resulted from 18-month renovation project

August 29, 2025
A white marble lobby with a decorative fireplace and wood accent desk.

Columbia University Facilities and Operations completed a multi-year, building-wide renovation project at 518 W. 111th Street, resulting in 32 fully renovated apartments and a fully electric building infrastructure.

The six-story building, originally built in 1909 and located within the Morningside Heights Historic District, faced significant water damage that necessitated comprehensive renovations. The building infrastructure upgrades included a building-wide replacement of the floor structures; structural work in the basement; new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; and new fire protection systems.

A view of the renovated kitchen which has a gray and white granite kitchen island, gray and wood accent cabinetry, and a white backsplash

Apartments within the building received full, gut renovations featuring new apartment layouts with new open kitchen design; accessibility improvements; new appliances including in-unit washers and dryers, plumbing and lighting fixtures; new architectural finishes; an additional ten bathrooms among the units; and central air conditioning. Historical elements of the building’s lobby and hallways were preserved while making the interior spaces modern, open, and functional.

A view of the living room of a renovated apartment with a black and gold marble kitchen island.

As part of Columbia's stated commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner, the building was renovated to be fully electric without any fossil fuel connections, while reclaiming basement space due to the removal of the old fuel oil tank. The electrification of the building is anticipated to reduce energy consumption by 19 percent compared to ASHRAE 90.1 2010 standards.

Equipment on the roof of 518 W. 111th Street with St. John the Divine in the background.

Other notable sustainability features at the building include high efficiency HVAC systems for central air conditioning and heating; new building insulation; locally sourced and low-volatile organic compound (VOC) finishes; and new LED lighting throughout the building.  The building is currently tracking LEED® Silver certification in recognition of its sustainable design and construction elements from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Re-occupancy at the renovated building began in late spring 2025.