The Great NYU Real Estate Heist: How Many Buildings Does This University Actually Own?
Ah, New York University. The land of dreams, intellectual pursuits, and... apparently, a whole lotta buildings. We all know NYU has a sprawling presence in the city, but just how sprawling are we talking? Buckle up, future Violets (or curious minds), because we're diving into the fascinating, slightly ridiculous world of NYU's NYC real estate empire.
By the Numbers: Just How Many Buildings Do They Have?
Here's where things get a little murky. Wikipedia claims NYU owns over 171 buildings scattered across Manhattan and Brooklyn. That's a lot of classrooms, libraries, and (let's be honest) quirky student housing. But hold on to your textbooks, friends, because there's more to the story.
A 2022 report by The Real Deal threw a slightly different number into the mix: NYU with approximately 14 million square feet across 115 buildings. Now, you might be thinking, "171 vs 115? That's a big difference!" Well, you're not wrong. Here's the thing: maybe it's not about the number of buildings, but the sheer size of some of them. NYU has a knack for scooping up entire skyscrapers, so maybe counting buildings isn't the best metric. Imagine counting pennies vs. hundred-dollar bills!
Real Estate Mogul in the Making? NYU's Masterplan
One thing's for sure: NYU isn't shy about acquiring property. They've been on a real estate buying spree in recent years, especially in Brooklyn. Their sights are set on becoming a "two-square" university, with a strong presence in both Greenwich Village and Union Square. Is NYU secretly trying to take over Manhattan, one dorm room at a time? Only time will tell, but they're definitely giving Columbia University a run for their money in the real estate department.
The Upside of All This Brick and Mortar?
Now, before we get all conspiracy theory-ish, let's look at the bright side. All these buildings mean more space for students, faculty, and all the cool things that come with a university like NYU. More labs, more classrooms, more quirky museums housed in random brownstones – the possibilities are endless (and slightly overwhelming).
The Downside (Because There's Always a Downside)
Of course, with great real estate power comes great responsibility (or something like that). All this development can cast a shadow on the historic character of neighborhoods like Greenwich Village. Plus, let's be real, all these buildings ain't cheap. Someone's gotta pay for them, and that cost might trickle down to tuition fees (yikes).
So, How Many Buildings Does NYU Really Own?
The answer, my friends, is a glorious maybe. Somewhere between 115 and 171, with a healthy dose of "it depends on how you count." But one thing's for sure: NYU is a real estate powerhouse in NYC, and their empire is only growing. Just keep an eye out for a giant purple NYU flag waving from the top of the Empire State Building one day. You never know...
