The scaffolding that has surrounded the iconic McGraw Tower since August 2023 was fully removed on Wednesday.
The University previously told The Sun that the scaffolding would be removed in time for the Class of 2025’s graduation ceremony, but later revised its statement, claiming that poor weather conditions delayed the construction.
Now, McGraw Tower stands scaffold-free for the first time in nearly two years.
“I'm thrilled to hear about the scaffolding coming off of McGraw Tower,” Bella Colangelo ’28 said. “As a rising sophomore, I am really looking forward to finally seeing the tower without the scaffolding and going up all the steps.”
However, the construction fences around the tower remain, which has caused many students to detour their walking paths and blocked direct entrance to libraries, the Arts Quad and Ho Plaza.
“I’m glad to see the scaffolding off the tower and to see Cornell in all its glory and I am excited to be able to finally just cut through,” said Henry Mu ’27. “Hopefully the fencing comes down soon.”
In an email statement to The Sun, Andrew Magre ’91, associate vice president for engineering and project administration, wrote that the construction fences surrounding McGraw Tower would be removed “by August 14 before the majority of students arrive on campus.”
In addition, Magre wrote that “as a Cornell Architecture alumnus” he was “deeply moved” by the “meticulous repointing of stonework and installation of a new lead roof” and Cornell’s commitment to preserving its history.
“The installation of the lead roof took a high level of craft[s]manship, took time, and had to be a hundred percent perfect given the limited access to the roof when the scaffolding is removed,” Magre wrote. “For me, this restoration brings to mind Ezra Cornell's words at the University's opening, when Morrill Hall stood unfinished: ‘We shall begin teaching, whether the buildings are done or not. Like the University itself, they are a work in progress.’”
When asked about what measures the University put into place to maintain the lead roof, given that future access to the lead roof would be limited, Magre explained the use of a lead roof was done intentionally.
“We chose lead roofing for its exceptional longevity — over 100 years — and minimal maintenance requirements, making it ideal for a structure with restricted access,” Magre said.
Marge highlighted that as the construction of McGraw Tower is finished, many future Cornellians will get to enjoy the towers’ symbolic presence at the University for many years to come.
“For the Class of 2029, McGraw Tower's renewed presence against the sky inspires hope, connecting our storied past to tomorrow's possibilities,” Magre wrote.
Zeinab Faraj is a member of the class of 2028 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is the features editor on the 143rd Editorial Board and was the assistant sports editor of the 143rd Editorial Board. You can reach her at zfaraj@cornellsun.com.
