99 Claremont Ave welcomed its first cohort of General Studies students with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 8.

On Thursday, October 8, the General Studies School of Columbia University commemorated the opening of the University’s first residential dormitory exclusive to General Studies students. Trustees, administrators, and General Studies students stood outside the newly renovated 99 Claremont Ave, where General Studies Dean Rosen-Metsch and University President Mnookin delivered opening remarks about the building.

Dean Rosen-Metsch shared that the first cohort of roughly 300 students arrived in August, starting their Fall 2026 semester in the building. While the building is a new addition to Columbia Housing for the use of General Studies students, it has existed as part of Riverside church since 1931 and has undergone extensive renovations following Columbia’s purchase in July. 

The historical significance of the building was emphasized, as Dean Rosen-Metsch described its “historic facade” in an interview with Bwog. “This is part of Morningside Heights, part of the larger Harlem community, and yet we have inside a modern, new residence hall for GS Students,” said Dean Rosen-Metsch.

An extensive list of contributors that were credited during the opening remarks of the event. Dean Rosen-Metsch commented to Bwog about the experience of working with this group over ten years, to see the realization of this project, stating,  “Today was like a celebration point. GS has not had its own designated residence hall, so I think people, you know, were just here to celebrate. I think this will be the first of many celebrations that we hope to do in the community and with students.”

University President Mnookin was introduced to give her opening remarks and addressed the General Studies students directly, saying, “Our commitment to you extends to conditions to achieve success.” 

Attendees of the event were ushered into a reception in the downstairs common space, which allowed for viewing of the building’s extensive amenities that many expressed excitement about. The building features a rooftop lounge area, its own coffee shop, and a gym exclusively for General Studies students.

General Studies students, even outside of those with residential access, have been able to utilize the space to further their capabilities to form a community. A third-year Residential Advisor for the building said in an interview with Bwog, “It’s a really great place to build a community, and I think we’ve certainly taken advantage of that. There are so many opportunities with the gym, the communal kitchen, the upstairs lounge, the terrace, to build these community events.”

The rooftop seemed to be the highlight of the building, as rooftop access throughout all Columbia’s buildings and residential halls is limited. Another General Studies student said about 99 Claremont’s rooftop access: “It has great views of Sakura Park and George Washington Bridge. It’s just like a beautiful space.”

While the space fulfilled a social purpose, there was a practical necessity that prompted the construction of this space. With roughly 2,300 students and previously no residential halls exclusively for General Studies students, there was a need to move towards meeting these housing demands. One student shared candidly in an interview with Bwog, “We’re still not meeting full housing needs, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Header via Columbia Media Relations