NYU’s 750,000-Square Foot Expansion at 181 Mercer Street Rises Above Street Level in Greenwich Village

The steel superstructure of 181 Mercer Street is now several floors above street level in Greenwich Village. The massive, 750,000-square-foot expansion of the NYU campus is located along Houston Street, directly to the east of I. M. Pei’s University Village complex. The 23-story project is designed by Davis Brody Bond along with KieranTimberlake.

Photographs show the construction cranes and superstructure starting to climb above Houston Street and eventually the surrounding low-rise buildings.

181 Mercer Street. Photo by Michael Young

Looking north from across the street. Photo by Michael Young

The southern elevation along Houston Street. Photo by Michael Young

The corner of Houston Street and Mercer Street will have a chamfered corner and serve as the base for the taller portion of the complex. Photo by Michael Young

The corner of Houston Street and Mercer Street will have a chamfered corner and serve as the base for the taller portion of the complex. Photo by Michael Young

I. M. Pei’s Silver Towers seen in the background of the construction site. Photo by Michael Young

The construction cranes are visible from Bowery. Photo by Michael Young

A large podium will cover the entire footprint of the property, followed by two separate towers of different heights and exterior finishes that will house students and faculty, along with some office space and light dining areas. A landscaped terrace for students and faculty members will sit atop the podium levels, adding greenery and outdoor communal space to the development. The taller tower will rise at the corner of Houston Street and Mercer Street and feature a chamfered, indented corner on the southern tip of the base.

Fitness amenities include an indoor six-lane swimming pool, a running track, four basketball courts, squash courts, a wrestling room, multiple fitness rooms, as well classrooms, studios, multiple theater rooms, practice and rehearsal rooms, and a cafe. Performing arts facilities will include a theater and orchestral pit with balcony and mezzanine seating designed to accommodate 556 people.

181 Mercer Street is anticipated to be completed in early 2022.

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