To allow Columbia University to fulfill its role as a globally respected academic institution that makes a significant local contribution to the economic, cultural, and intellectual vitality of New York City, the University must expand at a rate equivalent to approximately 200,000 square feet of program space a year over the next quarter century — a long-term goal of 5 to 6 million square feet.

The long-term proposal to gradually expand into the old Manhattanville manufacturing zone, primarily on the four large blocks from 129th to 133rd Streets from Broadway to 12th Avenue [see map], could provide some 6.8 million square feet of space for teaching, research, below grade parking and support, civic and commercial activity by the year 2030.