The lower-level event space in Lerner Hall is about to undergo a transformation worthy of its location on Broadway. 

Over the course of the next year, renovation will take place to create a world-class performance space for musical, dance, and artist performances, and arts-related programming and activities.

The project will include a versatile stage, new acoustical treatment, house and stage lighting, and a new AV system for an optimal concert experience. The space will have flexibility for different layouts depending on the event type, allowing for seated events up to 100 or standing room up to 200. 

Work will also include a renovated entrance on the 1st floor and a newly constructed staircase into the lower-level performance room. A refreshed service prep area will be included for catering. 

Project architects worked with music and sound consultants on design for details both large and small, all the way down to the finishes for acoustic and design. 

A carousel is a rotating set of images. Use the previous and next buttons to change the displayed slide

Slide 1: Students gather at the new entrance level of the performance space; Courtesy of Jack L. Gordon Architects

Slide 2: The performance space, as seen from the back of the room; Courtesy of Jack L. Gordon Architects

Slide 3: The stage will allow for different performance and music configurations; Courtesy of Jack L. Gordon Architects

Slide 4: Project architects worked with music and sound consultants on design for finishes for acoustic and design; Courtesy of Jack L. Gordon Architects

Slide 5: A student uses the new staircase from the lower level to the entrance; Courtesy of Jack L. Gordon Architects

Students gather at the new entrance level of the performance space; Courtesy of Jack L. Gordon Architects

The performance space, as seen from the back of the room; Courtesy of Jack L. Gordon Architects

The stage will allow for different performance and music configurations; Courtesy of Jack L. Gordon Architects

Project architects worked with music and sound consultants on design for finishes for acoustic and design; Courtesy of Jack L. Gordon Architects

A student uses the new staircase from the lower level to the entrance; Courtesy of Jack L. Gordon Architects

"Each year Columbia welcomes hundreds of talented student musicians who wish to pursue their passion on campus. Yet, due to the lack of a dedicated performance space they have not had a venue to call their own. The new project in Lerner Hall will be the first such space on Columbia campus. We are grateful that our students will have a beautiful venue to express themselves, create, and share their music," said Magdalena A. Stern Baczewska, Director of Columbia University Music Performance Program.

The project is the final installment of a three-part initiative towards enhancing spaces for the student community, through a generous donation made by University Trustee Shirley Wang BUS’93 and Walter Wang. In 2021, the John Jay Hall lounge was restored as an open space for the residential community. Then, in 2022 the Wallach ESPORTS Room was created as a new and unique place for undergraduate students to come together through gaming. 

The Lerner Hall performance space is scheduled to open for the 2023-24 Academic Year. Event Management will support student event scheduling. The space will also be utilized by the Music department for teaching during the day and for student performances.