After three years of watching the Northwest Corner Building go up, Columbia University students who eagerly awaited its opening originally scheduled for early November. The were, however, disappointed to learn of construction delays. Not all students were thrilled by José Rafael Moneo’s design, nicknaming the building “the Cheese Grater.” Nevertheless, students are keen to see the building completed and functional.

Victoria Benitez, Senior Public Affairs Officer at the Columbia University, commented on the delayed completion of the building. She expressed her full confidence in the contractors and building project team, saying, “with every building project one is to expect delays, I should note that we are just a couple of weeks behind schedule. We expect delivery and opening of the tower in the next few weeks – well ahead of the beginning of the fall break.” Other sources familiar with the project expect the building to attain a high LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating from the U.S. Green Building Council’s green building rating system.

No specific date was given for the opening, though furniture installation has begun on many floors. Another question remains unanswered: will the building name remain the Northwest Corner Building?