Shawmut Design and Construction completes Brown Institute for Media Innovation at Columbia Graduate School of Journalism

Shawmut Design and Construction completed construction on Pulitzer Hall at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism located at 2950 Broadway. The space, as part of the new David and Helen Gurley Brown Institute for Media Innovation, will provide the school with a multi-media newsroom that will merge the delivery of multiple disciplines of television and radio. Shawmut renovated 4,500 s/f to create an open plan area with small conference rooms, private offices on two levels, and new mechanical systems. The team made significant structural modifications to the original double-height ground floor suite to create the institute's signature area—an open incubator space and new mezzanine. The incubator will encourage the development of new journalistic practices around media delivery and consumption using current and future technologies. "This project took place in an occupied building on an occupied campus, which made work particularly challenging," said Tony Miliote, vice president of Shawmut's tri-state academic division. "Additionally, the mezzanine expansion required close coordination with the structural engineers due to added steel supports. The team's hard work and flexibility allowed us to complete the project on time while delivering the level of service our clients have come to expect." Work began in October of 2013 along with LTL Architects. The project required a full interior fit-out of the space and supporting infrastructure including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety systems. Additionally, exterior windows were updated with new energy efficient replacements. The Pulitzer Hall interior features a continuous façade that is split horizontally into a walnut millwork base and a translucent scrim that is used to conceal the technical systems and screen the room from exterior light. The wooden base also provides built-in seating, storage, and a large bleacher stair.