As part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan and infrastructure upgrade for the Teachers College campus, Mitchell Giurgola undertook a residence study to respond to housing needs for the school. The study resulted in the subsequent design of a new building, set on a mid-block through-lot site, that features a twin-tower configuration and contains 252 student units—each approximately 225 square feet including private bathroom—configured to mimic individual studio and one-bedroom apartments.

Detailing of the project was informed by the Beaux-Arts style of the surrounding buildings, as the varied density and texture of the architecture has become a positive attribute to this highly diversified neighborhood. With its use of brick, terra cotta, and articulated window frames, the Teachers College building seeks to provide a contemporary contextual response to the rich architectural heritage of the Morningside Heights neighborhood.