West Harlem Expansion - Section Intro Text

For the past several years, Columbia University has been acquiring property in West Harlem, primarily within an area bounded by Broadway, 12th Avenue, and 125th and 133rd Streets. In this area, historically known as Manhattanville, the University is contemplating developing a variety of facilities--ranging from a new home for the School of the Arts to laboratories for scientific research. And as Low Library continues to formulate its plans, faculty, staff, students and residents of the surrounding communities are contemplating just what Manhattanville would look like with Columbia in it.

Spectator's metro news staff has compiled these articles and other resources to help integrate the information we have about what's happened so far and what's to come. As Columbia solidifies its own plans, we'll look at how residents, city agencies, civic groups and businesses are reacting. We'll also look at key debates about the issue, such as residential displacement, job creation and environmental impact.

Please don't hesitate to contact us with input, feedback, or new information; since this is breaking news, our coverage is always a work in progress.