Main Lounge Renovation Project
We are pleased to share that the Main Lounge renovation project will begin on December 22, 2025, with work continuing through early August 2026. This important upgrade will enhance the I-House community experience and restore key gathering spaces for years to come.
During the construction period, the Main Lounge, Abby O’Neill Patio, and the Dodge Room will be closed to residents and guests. To ensure smooth movement around the affected areas, alternative circulation routes will be clearly designated and posted.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve our shared spaces. More updates will be provided as the project progresses.
Above: Early renderings of the Main Lounge renovation. Please note that some of the early design renderings currently shown on our website are outdated and do not reflect these updated plans. We will share progress photos on the website and social media as the work moves forward.
Key Features of the Main Lounge Renovation
The renovation of the Main Lounge will introduce a refreshed, modern, and welcoming environment designed to enhance community life at I-House.
- Improved circulation from both the East and West elevator lobbies, providing direct and intuitive access into the lounge.
- Distinct lounge seating zones featuring a variety of comfortable, upholstered furniture to support relaxation, study, and social connection.
- Expanded access to power, with additional electrical and data outlets conveniently located throughout the space.
- A warm, daylight-filled atmosphere, thanks to new large windows and doors overlooking Sakura Park.
- Modernized building systems, including central air-conditioning, a redesigned ceiling, and upgraded decorative lighting.
- Curated artwork installations enhancing the cultural and aesthetic character of the lounge.
- New built-in shelving cabinetry flanking the fireplace, offering space for books, games, and shared community resources.
- Enhanced audio-visual capabilities to support events, presentations, and communal activities.
- Improved access to the newly renovated patio, including upgraded paving, outdoor furniture, landscaping, and branded signage.
- A new accessibility lift providing barrier-free access between the east side stairs and the Main Lounge east corridor.
For any questions about the project please contact any of the following management personnel:
- Larry Palfini – SVP Operations – lpalfini@ihouse-nyc.org
- Vincent Melito – VP Facilities – vmelito@ihouse-nyc.org
- Irfan Toskic – Manager Building Operations – itoskic@ihouse-nyc.org
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to maintaining our 100-year-old building, these renovations will create more welcoming, functional, and energy efficient community spaces for the entire I-House community. We have taken resident feedback into consideration in our planning, having heard that seating and study spaces are too limited, that heat is an issue during summer, and that there are opportunities to create more natural light and better integration with outdoor spaces. The project will include major updates to these areas and create all-new common spaces for the I-House community.
The Main Lounge and Dodge Room will close beginning December 22, 2025. The Abby O’Neill Patio will also undergo renovations but will remain open until late February. Pending construction progress, work will continue through early August 2026. The spaces will reopen ahead of the Fall semester.
Work hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The construction crews will typically arrive earlier in the morning to begin work planning, but noise-producing work is not permitted before 9 a.m.
During regular work hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), residents should expect typical construction noise in the area, e.g. the use of power tools, old finishes being taken down and removed, etc. Before 9 a.m., noise-producing work is not permitted. Early morning work will only include tasks like project coordination, bringing in materials, electrical wiring, painting, and cleaning the job site.
Noise will be intermittent and not constant. The noisiest periods of construction will be during the initial phases as demolition takes place in the Main Lounge. We also expect noise on the exterior of the building when the patio is renovated during spring and summer. We will do our best to insulate the adjoining areas from noise, and we expect that most rooms will not be impacted. If you have comments or concerns about noise during the construction process, please write to us at facilities@ihouse-nyc.org.
For the first phase of construction (lasting through February 26, 2026), residents can continue to use the temporary Riverside Drive entrance to the building. After hearing from residents, we have arranged to keep a small portion of the Main Lounge open to foot traffic during this time. This will keep a pathway open to the Burns Foyer and allow use of the interior stairs on the west side of the Main Lounge. As the project progresses, we will be providing additional updates on alternate routes for foot traffic, emergency egress routes, and instructions for residents with accessibility needs. We will also be posting way-finding signage as the project gets underway.
We will be adding additional soft seating in the southern end of the Dining Hall, including sofas and club chairs to provide an additional casual seating space for residents. The Pub, HR Commons, Map Lounge, and Study Center will all remain open during this time.
The Claremont Lobby renovation project is on schedule and the space will officially reopen on February 26, 2026. This will also signal the second phase of the Main Lounge renovation. From that date on, the Claremont Lobby will be restored as the primary entrance to the House. We will send updates as the reopening nears to keep you apprised of changes and how to best navigate the building.
Yes, administrative offices will remain open as normal.
No, the music practice rooms will remain open and we do not expect noise to reach or affect that area of the building.
We will be posting updates on the status of the Main Lounge renovation and the Claremont Lobby on this page. If you other questions, please email us at facilities@ihouse-nyc.org.
Coming Soon: A New Claremont Lobby
Beginning in April 2025, the Claremont entrance and lobby will be closed for a major renovation and beautification project.
The Lobby/Entrance area will be closed for approximately 6-8 months. A temporary entrance will be created on the Main Lounge level from the Abby O’ Neill patio to the Main Lounge west side doors near the Soros Room. During this time all residents, staff and guests will be required to utilize this location to enter and exit the facility. This location will be staffed 24/7 by our I-House Public Safety team.
For building deliveries, a temporary receiving location will be set up adjacent to the parking garage and will operate during the hours below:
Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Package Concierge System will be temporarily relocated to B-Level Bike Room, and the east elevators #3 and #4 will not service the A and B Levels during the construction period.
Construction activities will occur during the hours 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Key features and improvements that will be included in the renovation are:
- A new and relocated reception desk to enhance circulation and flow
- A larger seating and waiting area with a dedicated private restroom
- Larger exterior canopy and planters
- Double wide glass entry vestibule with improved security features
- Warm and welcoming environment with increased natural light
- Central air-conditioning, new ceiling, and improved lighting
- Alumni wall art piece
- Curated artwork and storytelling moments
- Terrazzo flooring
- Dedicated receiving and delivery entrance
- Relocated trash and recycling area
For any questions about the project please contact any of the following management personnel:
- Larry Palfini – SVP Operations – lpalfini@ihouse-nyc.org
- Vincent Melito – VP Facilities – vmelito@ihouse-nyc.org
- Irfan Toskic – Manager Building Operations – itoskic@ihouse-nyc.org
Frequently Asked Questions
The project will commence in April 2025 and will take approximately 12 months to complete. The project is expected to be completed and the space re-opened in the Spring of 2026.
A temporary entrance will be set up off the Main Lounge near the Soros Room. During this time all residents, staff and guests will be required to utilize this temporary entrance. This entrance will be staffed 24 X 7 by Public Safety. Scanning of your ID’s will be required at this location.
Luggage carts are available at the temporary Main Lounge entrance. Vacuums are now available on each resident floor in both buildings. Sports equipment is available in the Frohlich Gymnasium closets located behind the padded wall.
The Public Safety Office will be permanently relocated to the B-Level Office just past the Sakura Conference Room on the right.
Construction activities are scheduled to occur during the hours of 9:00 am– 5:00 pm . Contractors will begin set-up of work activities at 8:00 am and actual work to occur during the hours of 9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Monday-Friday.
The Package Concierge System will be temporarily relocated to the B-Level Bicycle Room and packages can be retrieved from this location.
You will need to direct your food delivery service (Grub Hub, Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc.) to make the delivery to the temporary entrance at Riverside Drive. Your delivery driver will need to contact you upon arrival so you can retrieve your order.
You can access the North Building bike room and exit the building through the temporary receiving area out to Claremont Avenue. The hours of operation for this temporary entrance are:
Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The vending machines have been permanently relocated to the C-Level Map Lounge.
Yes, this entrance will remain open during the hours below:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: Closed