Excitement was in the air as Adelphi University officially broke ground on its new Manhattan Center, a historic moment for this U.S. News & World Report Best College founded in 1896.
On April 10, members of the Adelphi community gathered in the heart of Midtown Manhattan to celebrate this bold leap forward—one that promises to redefine career-focused undergraduate, graduate and professional education in New York City.
Located at 529 Fifth Avenue, just steps from Bryant Park and Grand Central Station, the custom-designed center will span three floors and comprise more than 51,000 square feet. Slated to open in 2026, the new space marks a major milestone in the University’s mission to provide transformative, accessible and future-focused learning opportunities for students in the city that never sleeps.
“This new center is a critical component of our institutional priority to have a vibrant space in New York City,” said Adelphi President Christine M. Riordan. “Guided by our Momentum 2 strategic plan, this project enables us to expand access to dynamic educational programs and strengthen our commitment to graduate, adult and professional learners.”
A Vibrant Location Meets Next-Gen Learning
With its Fifth Avenue address at the intersection of culture, commerce and innovation, Adelphi’s Manhattan Center places students at the doorstep of Fortune 500 companies, major healthcare institutions, and world-class arts and civic organizations. The location will supercharge internship, employment and networking opportunities while offering proximity to the best the city has to offer.
A modern academic hub, Adelphi’s Manhattan Center will be filled with cutting-edge features and thoughtful amenities designed for today’s learners:
- Smart classrooms, simulation labs, and specialized learning spaces for teacher education, nursing, health sciences and anatomy
- A fully equipped library, computer lab, private study areas and comfortable student lounge
- A comprehensive One-Stop Student Services Center with support for admissions, financial aid, advising and more
- Event and networking spaces for guest lectures, alumni events and community programming
- Sun-filled, open-plan spaces designed for collaboration and inspiration
- Modern faculty and administrative offices
A Home for Innovation and Impact
Adelphi’s new Manhattan Center will house a range of programs, including an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing and graduate programs in education, business, clinical psychology, healthcare informatics, business analytics, social work and creative writing.
“As one of the largest nursing programs in New York State, we look forward to bringing Adelphi’s tradition of excellence and impact to New York City,” noted Thomas Kline, vice president of advancement and external relations. “This and other programs leverage Adelphi’s academic strengths in building healthier communities.”
A launchpad for the next generation of leaders in the most in-demand professions in and around New York City, the center plans to roll out additional degree and non-degree programs to serve regional workforce needs.
“From Brooklyn to Long Island, and now to Manhattan, Adelphi is making its mark,” said Marc S. Strachan, chair of the Board of Trustees, at the April 10 groundbreaking, “and it will continue to do so. The next generation of Adelphi graduates will have a great center in New York City.”
What’s Next
Construction is underway on the new space, which Adelphi has leased for 20 years. This expansion comes as part of its University-wide plan to grow its campus footprint, elevate academic excellence and invest in tomorrow’s change makers.
Until the new center’s doors officially open in 2026, Adelphi will continue offering its New York City-based classes at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, where it has been operating since relocating from its former Varick Street campus in 2023.
“Adelphi has been enrolling students in its academic programs in New York City for more than 30 years,” said Riordan. “This new space allows us to take our programs and our impact on the community to a new level.”
Learn more about Adelphi’s new Manhattan Center.