The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) requested a new versatile assembly space to meet the needs of its growing educational programs as well as to accommodate conferences, fund raising events and administrative functions.

The landmarked building was originally constructed with an interstitial space at the perimeter of the 9th floor with a ceiling height too low for occupancy. The design for the expansion calls for a portion of the roof slab in this interstitial space to be removed and replaced with a new glass clerestory and skylight. This new enclosure will offer ample height for the conference room and permit the visitor, upon entering, a close-up view of the adjacent Empire State Building. A new mezzanine accessible from the 9th floor connects to an intimate roof garden with city views.