EVERY LEGEND STARTS SOMEWHERE
For a century, Faculty House has served as the center of intellectual and social interaction among Columbia University and the greater community. In 1894, Columbia University hired renowned New York City architecture firm, McKim, Mead and White, to develop a master plan for the Morningside Heights campus. In 1921, the firm designed the blueprint for Faculty House, to be located at 117th Street and Morningside.
A SOCIAL AND INTELLECTUAL CENTER
The goal of the new building was to foster a popular social and intellectual center. Funding for the building was a gift to the University from alumnus F. Augustus Schermerhorn, Class of 1868. Schermerhorn also served as Trustee of the Faculty House from 1877 to 1908.
THE DOORS OPEN
In 1923, construction at Faculty House was complete. The first floor contained a large reception room and coat rooms, as well as billiard and chess rooms. On the second floor was a large lounging room overlooking Morningside Park and a ballroom used for dancing and private parties. Two large dining rooms could be found on the third and fourth floors. This luxurious, spacious design made it possible to host large social events.
Photo courtesy of AL News
Photo courtesy of Columbia University Archives
ACCLAIMED IN THE MEDIA
Over three hundred members of the University’s teaching staff were present at the formal opening on May 1, 1923. An article in The New York Times noted, “The new building’s features make it one of the most attractive and serviceable buildings in Morningside Heights.”
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Slide 1: Photo courtesy of Columbia University Archives
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Slide 2: The lounging room overlooked Morningside Park on the east side of the second story. Photo courtesy of Columbia Architecture and Building
VISITED BY DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Faculty House also contained assembly rooms where speakers from all over the world gathered to share their research and ideas. It was where the University’s most distinguished scholars met and visitors entertained.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Visits Faculty House, 1961. Read the article about Dr. King's visit here.
THE SOCIAL HUB OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Over the years, Faculty House met the diverse event needs of the Columbia community, supporting nearly 1,500 functions a week. This included stag parties, annual Welcome Dinners to honor new faculty members, holiday parties for families, and formal dances.
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Slide 1: Chef Wehrly and Manager Swift prepare for a 1937 Columbia faculty stag party. Photo courtesy of Knott Knoter
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Slide 2: A formal invitation to the 1947 Spring Dance at Faculty House. Photo courtesy of Columbia University Archives
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Slide 3: A Standard Luncheon hosted in the 1980s and 90s included white glove service.
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Slide 4: Over the years, Faculty House has hosted a variety of elegant dinners and events for community members and guests.
UPDATING AN ICON FOR THE FUTURE
In the spring of 2008, the building was closed to undergo extensive renovations conducted by Bogdanow Partners Architects, PC. One of the chief renovation goals for the Bogdanow team was to ensure that each of Faculty House’s four floors be designed with its own distinct personality.
During the 18-month renovation, the 38,000 square feet of meeting and function space was completely retrofitted to support 21st-century technology. Nearly 75 percent of materials from the original structure were refurbished, re-purposed, recycled or donated during the renovation project.
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Slide 1: An artist's rendering of the Skyline Level 4th floor. Courtesy of Bogdanow Partners Architects, PC
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Slide 2: The Skyline Ballroom during the 2008 renovation project. Photo courtesy of Columbia University Facilities
OPENING ITS DOORS ON A NEW CENTURY
On September 2, 2009, Faculty House reopened its doors to Columbia and the greater community, ready once again to host seminars, meetings, receptions, social events and weddings.
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Slide 1: Elegant as ever, Faculty House continues to serve Columbia and the greater community. Photo courtesy of Tom Crane
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Slide 2: The Skyline Terrace is conveniently located off of the Skyline Ballroom and offers breathtaking views of New York City. Photo courtesy of Tom Crane
ACTIVELY SUPPORTING A GREENER FUTURE
On April 19, 2010, Faculty House was awarded the prestigious Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification by the United States Green Building Council — just in time for Earth Day! A significant environmental milestone for Faculty House and Columbia University, it was the first McKim, Mead and White building in the country to be given this designation.
Today, Faculty House continues this illustrious tradition of hosting events of all scale.
