Vanderbilt NYC's strategic framework for space acquisition and renewal

Campus planners are facing critical decisions on how to move programs forward, including expansion, renewal, or constructing new facilities — each carrying distinct financial implications and operational trade-offs that shape institutional trajectories for decades. This presentation reveals how Vanderbilt University–New York City is navigating these high-stakes choices through integrated planning frameworks that weigh acquisition costs against renovation expenses, deferred maintenance liabilities, and programmatic fit. Presenters deliver decision-making models for evaluating existing buildings, balancing capital investments with long-term operating budgets, and navigating historic preservation constraints. They examine "radical flexibility" design solutions that maximize value through multi-purpose environments supporting hybrid learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. They distill critical insights for stakeholder engagement that build transparency around major capital decisions, financial planning tools that align real estate choices with institutional priorities, and communication frameworks demonstrating clear strategic momentum to boards and communities.