FAQ
What needs of The Rockefeller University are addressed by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation–David Rockefeller River Campus project?
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation–David Rockefeller River Campus project emerged from a master planning process begun in 2012. The goal of the process was to identify the best way to create high-quality laboratory space to meet the changing requirements of researchers, replacing existing facilities that are no longer suited to the demands of modern bioscience. The plans are consistent with the university's intention to maintain its current size. The project will ensure the continuing strength of Rockefeller's transformative research program.
What buildings have been added as part of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation–David Rockefeller River Campus project?
The centerpiece of the project is the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Research Building, housing state-of-the-art laboratory research facilities. Additional buildings and amenities include the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Dining Commons, the Hess Academic Center, the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen BioLink, the Lulu C. and Anthony Wang Gardens, Fascitelli Family Great Lawn, Richard Salomon Family River Promenade, Sze-Donohue Family Amphitheater, and the Carson Family Commons.
How was the Kravis Research Building constructed?
To minimize disruptions to commuters and residents, the building's steel skeleton was prefabricated off-site and transported via barge in 19 sections that were hoisted into place during overnight hours. There were brief closures of the FDR Drive, in compliance with Department of Transportation guidelines, during the hours as the modules were installed.
How much new space will the Kravis Research Building provide?
The Kravis Research Building has 135,600 square feet of laboratory space on two floors, enough to accommodate over 600 scientific personnel. The building is designed with open floor plans to enable collaboration and maximize flexibility. By eliminating interior structural columns and mechanical shafts found in most older buildings, the design allows laboratory layouts to be modified to serve new research requirements. Workspaces have stunning views of the East River and will have convenient connections to other research buildings and campus facilities.
How long did it take to build?
Construction began in the summer of 2015 and was completed in 2019. The building was dedicated on May 17, 2019.
What impact has the Stavros Niarchos Foundation–David Rockefeller River Campus project had on The Rockefeller University's beautiful historic campus?
The River Campus was designed to provide substantial new research facilities and community amenities without disrupting the look and feel of the university's existing campus. At two acres in size, constructed entirely in the air rights over the FDR Drive, it has significantly expanded the university's 14-acre campus.
What improvements did Rockefeller make to the East River Esplanade?
As part of the construction project, which has received strong support from the city council and community board, the university agreed to make repairs to the adjacent East River seawall and to improve and beautify the esplanade for the benefit of the greater New York City community. The plan for the esplanade was developed with input from community members and includes new landscaping, seating, a noise barrier, and a designated bike lane. The university is also establishing a $1 million endowment to maintain the landscaping of the esplanade in perpetuity and has contributed $150,000 to Friends of the East River Esplanade, a conservancy devoted to encouraging the restoration and renovation of the full length of the esplanade.
Who are the architects for the project?
The design for the Stavros Niarchos Foundation–David Rockefeller River Campus project and the Kravis Research Building was created by Rafael Viñoly Architects, a world-renowned architecture firm whose portfolio includes landmark buildings and public works throughout the world. The landscape architect for the project is Mathews Nielsen Landscape Architects.
How were the Stavros Niarchos Foundation–David Rockefeller River Campus project and the Kravis Research Building funded?
The majority of the funding for the construction of the Stavros Niarchos–David Rockefeller River Campus was provided by private donations. More than $342 million was raised in support of the project. In November 2014, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and David Rockefeller provided leadership pledges of $75 million each. Shortly after, the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Foundation pledged $100 million to support the creation of the Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Research Building, the centerpiece of the new campus.
Other splendid Trustee gifts followed: Marlene Hess created the Hess Academic Center; Bob and Anne Bass named the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Dining Commons; Michael Kellen and his family ensured construction of the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen BioLink; and Chair emeritus Russ Carson supported the Carson Family Commons in the Kravis Research Building.
The University also received generous Trustee gifts to name other components of the SNF–DR River Campus, including the Lulu C. and Anthony Wang Gardens, the Richard Salomon Family River Promenade, the Fascitelli Family Great Lawn, and the Sze-Donohue Family Amphitheater.
