North Campus Residential Expansion (NCRE)

NCRE was developed in anticipation of the University’s growing class size, coupled with Cornell’s commitment to provide underclassman with quality hous­ing options on campus. As a result, Welliver was brought on to provide pre-construction and construction services for this two-phase, 776,000 SF expansion of the student life residential complex.

Project Stats 

Dining Hall: 58,230 sf

Site 1:

• Toni Morrison Hall: 314 beds
• Ganędagǫ: Hall: 577 beds

Site 2:

• Hu Shih Hall: 429 beds
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg Hall: 504 beds
• Barbara McClintock Hall: 311 beds

This fast-tracked project provides over 2,000 new beds for first year and sophomore students on two separate sites on Cornell’s residential North Campus. Phase 1 involved the construction of two dormitory buildings offering more than 800 beds as well as a centrally located, attached dining hall. Expected to be completed in May 2022, Phase 2 of the project involves the construction of three residence halls with over 1,200 beds. Both sites are composed of 3 to 5 story courtyard buildings that are sited and arranged to engage and respond to the adjacent campus, as well as enhance the student life experience. Students are able to collaborate and socialize in the numerous lounges, meeting spaces, classrooms, and kitchens found throughout all five buildings. The buildings also include Residence Hall Director and Faculty in Residence Suites. Students can also enjoy the state-of-the-art 5,000 SF fitness center and then cool off with a smoothie at the café’.

Essential to growing North Campus is a 1,000-seat dining hall that offers a variety of urban kiosk style serveries. The dining hall includes state-of-the-art equipment, sloping wood and plaster ceilings, modern lighting, and an all-glass classroom with thirteen fully stocked teaching stations.

(Photography by Van Zandbergen Photography)