PWC holds panel discussion on University Construction in NYC

Shown (from left) are: Joe Mannino, Group PMX; Chelsea LeMar, PWC; Diana Allegretti, Cornell Tech; Linda Chiarelli, NYU; Kim Chen, Columbia;
Gail Beltrone, Barnard; and Maria Wilpon, Stantec.

New York, NY PWC hosted a sold-out panel event on University Construction in NYC. The panel was moderated by Joseph Mannino, Group PMX and included Diana Allegretti, RA, LEED AP, Cornell Tech, Gail Beltrone, vice president for campus services, Barnard College, Kim Chen, associate director, planning & capital project management, Columbia, and Linda Chiarelli, vice president for capital projects and facilities, NYU.

The morning started off with an hour of networking, followed by each panelist giving a presentation on upcoming projects, and ending with a panel discussion.

Allegretti, Cornell Tech, started the presentations by walking through the plan for the 12 acres on Roosevelt Island for the new Applied Sciences Campus that used to be the site of the Goldwater Hospital. She went in depth on four of the buildings underway as well as infrastructure, roadways and sidewalks.

Beltrone presented the Barnard College strategic plan, including a recently finished library, a teaching and learning center and three new projects, including a science building upgrade, space plan fit and moving and redesigning the Toddler Center.

Maria Wilpon of Stantec addressing the attendees.

Chen of Columbia discussed projects at the Morningside campus, primarily renovations that are meant to repurpose existing space, incorporate science and technology, extend the branding from the new Manhattanville project, promote cross-disciplinary collaboration, and capital improvements on ADA accessibility. Columbia has set the goal of hiring 40% MWL/BE contractors.

Chiarelli presented on the 370 Jay St. project in Brooklyn, which will be a hub of applied sciences, technology, education, digital media and arts for engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs, and the 181 Mercer project in Manhattan that will be for performing arts, community and dining, classrooms, athletics and student and faculty housing. 

After the presentations, Mannino led a dynamic discussion on topics ranging from how the governance structure determines project progress to delivery methods to maker spaces on campuses. The event, overall, presented how universities in NYC are planning expansions and renovations. 

The co-chairs for the event were Maria Wilpon, PWC board of directors, principal, Stantec, and Joseph Mannino, Group PMX. Sponsors were Stantec, Group PMX, Talisen Construction, Pullman, Dixon Projects and Steelcase Showroom.

PWC is a non-profit organization committed to advancing professional, entrepreneurial and managerial opportunities for women and other “non-traditional” populations in construction and related industries. With 6 chapters and over 1,000 members, PWC serves a constituency of close to 15,000, representing a broad spectrum of the industry.