New University Center Complex Will Take Stevens to New Heights
Landmark campus hub, student residence rises on Castle Point
Stevens' transformational new university center complex is rising on Castle Point — and the Stevens Class of 2025, who will join Stevens in 2021, will have the opportunity to enjoy this campus hub first-hand when it opens in spring 2022.
The iconic structure's dual 19- and 21-story towers will be clearly visible from New York City, with an east-facing façade including Stevens signage to accentuate the university's growing profile in the metro New York academic and technology landscape.
"This magnificent building will not only provide the type of facilities that materially enhance our capabilities and provide world-class space and views to our community, but it will be an architectural jewel that will make our beautiful campus even more so," notes Stevens President Nariman Farvardin. "During the difficult times of the pandemic, this construction project has been a symbol of progress, hope and happiness."
Supporting student life, creating a campus hub, building alumni pride
This new facility, the largest construction project in Stevens’ history, will house approximately 1,000 students and feature skyline views of New York City. Students will also enjoy fully equipped fitness facilities, private dining and café spaces, multiple lounges, high-tech conference rooms, and auditorium spaces accommodating large community events.
An exterior terrace will overlook the Hudson River and the New York City skyline, providing a stunning venue for formal and informal gatherings.
When complete, the complex will significantly benefit both new and current students, says Jackie Williams, dean of undergraduate admissions.
"The Student Housing and University Center will be an exciting new addition to the Stevens campus," says Williams. "The number of students living on campus will almost double, with more students than ever before receiving the opportunity to live and learn on campus. The two residential towers will provide suite-style accommodations with kitchens, as well as spaces for studying, collaborating and just hanging out.
The three-story University Center, at the base of the towers, will also serve as a true campus hub, providing many different types of spaces for an array of new activities and opportunities. The student newspaper The Stute and the Student Government Association will be located in new offices within the complex, as well.
"From meeting spaces, event spaces and dining facilities to a fitness center with a Manhattan skyline view, our students will have a beautiful, state-of-the-art new place to socialize and study," adds Williams.
The landmark structure will also continue building alumni pride as Stevens works toward completion of the $200 million The Power of Stevens campaign.
"We are thrilled for what this project will mean to our alumni," says Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement Laura Rose. "Inside the university center, they will enjoy new venues and amenities for reunions, lectures and campus visits. Many of the spaces will honor generous alumni who are supporting this monumental project.
"The height of the residence halls and the new signage will also showcase Stevens to our neighbors across the river, and foster additional prestige in a Stevens degree and alumni pride in their alma mater."
The northern residence tower of the complex will be named in honor of Richard Harries ’58, who made a generous $17 million bequest with his wife Carol as part of the campaign.
