Announcing 99 Claremont, the New Dedicated GS Residential Building

Earlier today, Dean Rosen-Metsch emailed the GS student community announcing 99 Claremont, the new GS residential hall.

Dear Columbia GS Students, 

It is with immense pride and excitement that I write to you to officially announce that 99 Claremont, a new residential building, designed and dedicated for Columbia GS students—a first in the School’s history—will be open to GS students this fall! This is a magnificent residence hall located on the corner of Claremont and 122nd (adjacent to Riverside Church) with its historic facade and fully renovated interior. 

This milestone reflects our commitment to meeting one of the most significant needs within our student population: accessible, community-centered housing designed specifically for nontraditional undergraduate students. Located just two blocks from the Morningside Heights campus, 99 Claremont will house more than 300 GS students and provide more than 79,000 square feet of student study and activity space. From ground-level amenity space featuring a fitness center, lounge, study space, and a communal chef’s kitchen, to thoughtfully designed gathering spaces on every residential floor, and a spacious roof-deck with breathtaking views, the building will cultivate connection, belonging, and the dynamic, vibrant exchanges that define the GS student experience. Its close proximity to Morningside campus will reduce commute times and increase opportunities for students to deepen their engagement with one another, essential for the community building that is a hallmark of the GS experience.

This achievement was made possible in large part by the historic multi-year investment in GS by the University and Arts & Sciences, announced in September 2024. Thanks to that commitment, GS has been able to create a matching fund to support the building and financial aid, and already has commitments of nearly $4 million, including a $2.5 million lobby naming gift from alumnus Bob Hammer ’65GS, ’67BUS. 

I’ve had the opportunity to tour the building on several occasions and have been inspired by the care and intention shaping every detail as we prepare to welcome the building’s first residents at the start of the 2026-27 academic year. 

In the weeks ahead, Columbia Residential will share additional information to returning GS students regarding unit availability, floor plans, pricing, and application timelines.

This moment marks a meaningful step forward for GS and a powerful investment in the School’s future. I hope you will join me in celebrating this exciting new chapter in our history.

Best regards,

Lisa Rosen-Metsch
Dean, Columbia University School of General Studies
Professor of Sociomedical Sciences