Master Plan for Facilities

During 2005-06, Cornell developed a campus-wide master plan to address the needs of a growing and evolving college. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and community members meet repeatedly to guide our immediate development and to provide a multi-phase plan for the next 20 years.

We are currently working on Phase I of the plan. The list below outlines our progress to date.

Russell Hall
Our newest residence hall opened in the fall of 2007. Russell Hall houses 96 students in 4-person suites, each consisting of two singles, a double, a living room, a bathroom, and a storage room. The building features wonderful natural light via large windows, kitchens on each floor, and heating/air conditioning controls for each suite.

Pfeiffer Hall
The exterior of this residence hall, built in 1930, was refurbished during the summer of 2006, and the interior was remodeled during the summers of 2008 and 2009. The building gained an elevator, all new electrical service, new heating system, and new plumbing. It also sports more spacious bathrooms, great lounge and study spaces, a building conference room, and office space.

Rood House
This residence hall was converted into the Paul K. Scott Alumni Center which opened in the summer of 2009. The building now houses the Office of Alumni and College Advancement.

Wade House
In 2008, Wade House became the Peter Paul Luce Admissions Center. The historic Victorian building underwent a complete renovation, with a major addition added to support the Financial Assistance Office.

Sports Center
We have tripled the size of the wrestling room by reclaiming the pool area, and doubled the size of the weight room in the process. We’ve also replaced the arena floor, including a purple Olympic-quality surface for the running track. We are evaluating which steps to take next.

The Commons
We’ve already seen the benefits of recent improvements to the Rathskeller, Orange Carpet, and dining areas. Planned improvements will allow for a new façade and flow that will add visual appeal and warmth, better blending into the historic Hilltop campus. The new Commons will introduce marketplace dining with multiple choices, freshly prepared, for students and guests at each meal. It will feature flexible multipurpose space for larger events. Upgrades inside and out will add energy and demonstrate a high priority on nurturing students by providing a full range of modern services, from wellness to wireless access. Learn how to contribute on the Thomas Commons campaign site.

King Chapel
Much of the roof was replaced in 2010, and structural, utility, and cosmetic work, including installation of an elevator, will take place over the next few years.

Cole Library
A minor library project consolidated all the Center for Teaching and Learning studios on the first floor, and added a 25-station computer classroom.

West Science
We are still in the planning phases of this project. We're designing a new addition to house expanded teaching and research labs, especially wet labs. In the existing building we will update utility systems and refurbish labs for lighter-duty uses. The project will include reconfiguration and addition of offices, classrooms, specialty lab facilities, and spaces for studying, meeting, and relaxing. We are looking to make both the addition and the remodeling as green as possible, both in materials and in operations.

Property acquisition
The master plan suggests that the college sell a few of its Mount Vernon properties which are not adjacent to the college in order to purchase properties which are. We have already purchased seven properties to serve as student housing or short-term housing for faculty and staff. We are continuing to purchase reasonably-priced properties in our strategic zones as they become available, primarily for faculty staff temporary housing.