Yeshiva University Undertakes Major Renovations Across Campuses
Yeshiva University completed multiple campus renovations this summer, including new lighting, classroom upgrades and residential improvements, with major construction projects continuing into the fall semester.
The Wilf Campus is seeing the most extensive updates. The Icon parking lot will remain closed for several months due to NYC-mandated repairs. “Unfortunately, this will reduce the number of available parking spots and impact the ‘nights and Shabbos’ parkers,” University Operations informed students in an Aug. 19 email, encouraging early permit applications to secure alternative spaces. Other lots will be used where possible.
Former Furst Hall reopened on Aug. 19 but remains wrapped in a protective membrane as roofing work continues through December 2025. A permanent facade installation is expected to begin in 2026. Nearby, Morgenstern Residence Hall is undergoing exterior repairs with scaffolding expected to be removed by Thanksgiving. Current rear-side work runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is anticipated to finish before students return from the holidays, according to Wilf Residence Life.
Zysman Hall is also in the midst of its facade restoration project, with work focusing on the north, west and south sides through spring 2026. The building's original 1927 main doors will be replaced with identical-looking doors featuring modern ID card access.
These projects are “driven by maintenance requirements and city codes and are performed on a multi-year cycle,” Randy Apfelbaum, YU’s chief facilities and administrative officer, told The Commentator.
Perhaps the most significant disruption is the closure of Weissberg Commons for a full renovation.
“Weissberg Commons has received a gift from the Weissberg family to match a federal grant for renovation,” Apfelbaum said. The event space will remain closed until early spring 2026 while it receives new flooring, acoustic treatments, permanent AV systems, flat screens, and a catering pantry.
“We understand that this is a heavily used events space for the University Community, and we appreciate your patience and flexibility as we make alternate plans. We continue to hold parallel discussions about ways to utilize alternative spaces for campus events,” said Adele Finer, YU’s senior director of capital projects and the project management office, in an email. The Heights Lounge will temporarily serve as an alternative event space during construction.
At the Max Stern Athletic Facility, a new training facility opened at the semester’s start, and new turnstiles have been installed at the entrance to improve security and spectator flow during games. However, the pool remains closed indefinitely for extensive repairs. This too “was a gift from a donor family,” according to Apfelbaum.
Campus-wide, upgraded LED lighting has been installed in multiple buildings, including the Glueck Center, Gottesman Library, Rubin, Muss, and Morgenstern halls, along with enhanced AV systems in several classrooms.
Despite the construction on the Wilf campus and the potential interruptions, Noam Schechter (YC ‘28) is “in it for the long haul.”
“While it’s true that all the scaffolding and noise from the construction can get very annoying at times, I’m in it for the long haul,” he told The Commentator. “I’m looking forward to the big changes happening to some of the buildings.”
Shaya Rosenfeld (YC ‘28) told The Commentator that he too is “looking forward to when the construction is done, because then there will be more seating areas outside and fun places to sit.”
The Beren campus has also undergone substantial improvements over the summer.
Koch Auditorium received new flooring to enhance the Shabbat dining experience and improve event use. In addition, new carpeting was installed on some floors of the Schottenstein Residence Hall, with the remaining floors scheduled to be completed over the holidays. Both Brookdale and Schottenstein Residence Halls also now have brighter and more energy-efficient LED lighting. Academic facilities have also been enhanced, with several classrooms receiving upgraded AV systems to better support learning.
Regarding the smaller improvement projects on both campuses, Apfelbaum said that they “are part of the regular maintenance cycle of the academic buildings and residence halls.” Specifically regarding the upgraded LED lighting, he said they “are partially funded by Con Edison incentives to reduce the university’s carbon footprint.”
The Katz graduate programs received major upgrades this fall as well. Following the past year’s space-sharing challenges with Stern College, YU added 30,000 square feet of new dedicated space at 205 and 215 Lexington Avenue. The facilities include seven modern science classrooms, new faculty offices, collaboration spaces, an advanced research lab, and a 14,000-square-foot learning commons designed as a hub for student life and professional development. A larger ongoing project for the Katz School involves a complete rebuild of a 160,000-square-foot space in the Herald Square area, featuring state-of-the-art technology and clinical facilities.
Photo Caption: Zysman Hall is undergoing facade restoration.
Photo Credit: The Commentator
