Columbia University - Li Lu Law Library, NY
SOCOTEC supported the renovation of Columbia University's Li Lu Law Library, providing code consulting, occupancy change management, and Certificate of Occupancy services while the facility remained fully occupied.
Key Information
Project Name: Li Lu Law Library (Jerome Greene Law Library)
Client: Columbia University
Location: 435 West 116th Street, New York, NY
Project Duration: 2021–2026
Services Provided: Code Consulting, Planning, Department of Buildings Coordination, Certificate of Occupancy Services, Egress and Occupancy Review
Team members: Thierry Guye (Principal in charge), Mike Cuevas (DOB expert), Anna Kandalina (Senior Project Manager), Rossmary Bedoya (Senior Certificate of Occupancy Coordinator)
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The Challenge
Renovating a Landmark Law Library While Maintaining Occupancy
The Li Lu Law Library, located within Jerome L. Greene Hall on Columbia University's campus, serves as one of the largest academic law libraries in the United States, spanning approximately 50,000 square feet across three floors.
As part of one of the most significant capital investments in Columbia Law School's history, the university undertook a major renovation and modernization of the library. The project aimed to transform the space into a more collaborative and accessible environment while significantly increasing study capacity and enhancing the student experience.
The project required changes to egress paths, occupancy loads, and the building's structure, all coordinated across multiple trades, including general construction, plumbing, sprinkler, mechanical, and fire alarm systems.
A key challenge was that the building remained occupied throughout construction by students and staff.
Given the project's complexity and high-profile nature, Columbia University sought a team with proven expertise navigating New York City regulatory requirements and coordinating closely with the Department of Buildings (DOB).
The Solution
Expert Code and Planning Support in New York
SOCOTEC's Code and Planning team worked alongside Columbia University from the earliest planning stages through final occupancy, providing:
- Egress and occupancy load analysis to align the renovated library's seating and circulation with code requirements
- Structural modification coordination to support the building's new layout and increased capacity
- New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) coordination and approvals to keep a multi-year, multi-trade project on track
- Multi-trade permitting management across general construction, plumbing, sprinkler, mechanical, and fire alarm scopes
- Temporary Place of Assembly permitting, allowing continued occupancy and use of the space during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy coordination, guiding the project to a successful final sign-off
This collaborative approach enabled the project team to navigate complex approval processes while supporting the university's broader renovation objectives.
SOCOTEC's Code and Planning team worked alongside Columbia University from the earliest planning stages through final occupancy, providing:
- Egress and occupancy load analysis to align the renovated library's seating and circulation with code requirements
- Structural modification coordination to support the building's new layout and increased capacity
- New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) coordination and approvals to keep a multi-year, multi-trade project on track
- Multi-trade permitting management across general construction, plumbing, sprinkler, mechanical, and fire alarm scopes
- Temporary Place of Assembly permitting, allowing continued occupancy and use of the space during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy coordination, guiding the project to a successful final sign-off
This collaborative approach enabled the project team to navigate complex approval processes while supporting the university's broader renovation objectives.
The Results
Delivering a Modernized Academic Space for Future Generations
The renovated Li Lu Law Library officially opened to the Columbia Law School community on December 5, 2025, delivering a modernized academic environment designed to support learning, collaboration, and community engagement.
Key enhancements include:
- Approximately 600 study seats
- More than 20 group study rooms
- A two-story reading room
- Improved spaces for individual and collaborative learning
- Enhanced functionality and accessibility throughout the library
SOCOTEC supported the successful navigation of complex building code, occupancy, and permitting requirements throughout the renovation. By coordinating closely with the NYC DOB and project stakeholders, our team helped maintain compliance and support construction activities within an occupied academic facility.
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