Ismael Leyva Architects completes Phase 1 of Mercy College expansion in Manhattan: 95,000 s/f

Manhattan, NY Ismael Leyva Architects has completed Phase 1 of the Mercy College expansion known as “MercyManhattan.” Construction on the lobby, third and fourth floors including classrooms, student amenities and offices began in March 2019 and is now welcoming students for the spring semester. The 7^th floor dormitory space began construction in November, 2019 with an expected completion date in July.

Ismael Leyva Architects was chosen to lead the design of the college’s expansion, increasing the campus footprint from 55,000 to 95,000 s/f on the 3^rd, 4^th and 7^th floors of its current facility located at 47 West 34^th St.

This expanded facility accommodates new classrooms, a welcome center with student common space, an internet café, a 130-bed dormitory with dedicated lobby and a new street entrance to the college building. The lobby, classrooms, cafe and student common space are now open.

“We are proud to welcome students into this expanded facility to better serve their needs at this critical time in their lives and make choices that shape their future. The innovative design responds to the needs of the students that attend Mercy College, and it provides them with the facility resources they need to succeed,” said Ismael Leyva. “We are thrilled to be a part of this expansion serving the Mercy College community.”

Leyva, a locally-based architect, is known for his iconic residential design and also his work on notable educational projects such as “The 24^th St. Residence Dormitory” for the School of Visual Arts, and the “North Hall and Library” at Bronx Community College, in collaboration with Robert A.M Stern Architects.