The Boston Redevelopment Authority board yesterday unanimously approved Suffolk University’s plans to move forward with a new campus building at 20 Somerset St. that will feature general-use and science classrooms, a light-filled cafeteria/function space, and indoor and outdoor lounging areas.
The BRA determined that the building is in accord with the University’s Master Plan and that its impacts – which include relocating all academic classrooms from the residential part of Beacon Hill – will benefit the neighborhood. The University will now work with city, state, and preservation officials to finalize the design for the $62 million building and move forward with construction.
“This building will provide the flexible academic facilities essential for today’s learning and teaching environment,” said Suffolk University President James McCarthy. “At the same time, it shows the value of partnering with neighbors, elected officials and city agencies to find solutions that benefit all.”
The sleek new building, expected to open in summer 2015, will encompass 112,000 square feet in 10 floors, two of them partially or fully below grade. There will be four floors each of general-education and science classrooms of various sizes, providing 1,100 classroom seats. It also will include student support services.
The neighborhood will benefit as active use is restored at the site of the old MDC headquarters, which will be replaced with a building designed to be respectful of its surroundings. The new building will be adjacent to open space, and the state-owned Roemer Plaza will be landscaped to provide an inviting area for students and neighbors to gather.
The University will refit the Donahue and Archer buildings for office space and eventually sell its Fenton Building and annex on Derne Street and the Ridgeway building on Cambridge Street as part of its plan to relocate classrooms.
“Through institutional planning we’re encouraging colleges and universities to look at their assets strategically,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. “Suffolk University’s decision to consolidate classroom space in a new building closer to the core of their campus benefits the institution and their neighbors in Beacon Hill.”
The BRA’s approval of the redesigned project is the result of a close collaboration among Suffolk University, elected officials, and a community task force made up of members from surrounding neighborhoods, as well as with its neighbors on Beacon Hill and representatives of the abutting Garden of Peace.
"This is a textbook case of neighbors, elected officials, and the University coming together to craft a project that benefits all," said John Nucci, the University’s vice president for Government and Community Affairs. “We listened very closely to everyone involved, and the result is that we now all agree that this project will be an asset to Suffolk University, Beacon Hill, and the whole area for decades to come.”
The University is working with NBBJ on the design scheme.
Features of the 20 Somerset project include:
- Create more than 300 new construction jobs
- Seek LEED Silver certification for a building to be designed and constructed according to high standards for green design and sustainability
- Relocation of all classrooms and a cafeteria currently located within the residential area of Beacon Hill
- Return an active use to a now-vacant property
- Create a vibrant new public space for use by all through improvements to Roemer Plaza
- Maintain the existing building setback from the adjacent Garden of Peace and provide an appropriate building façade facing the Garden
- Maintain the existing building height, thus producing no new shadow on the Garden of Peace
About Suffolk University
Suffolk University, located in historic downtown Boston, with an international campus in Madrid, is a student-centered institution distinguished by excellence in education and scholarship. Suffolk University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 90 areas of study. Its mission is to empower graduates to be successful locally, regionally, and globally.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2015
Industry groups petition for change order reform on federal projects
Nine design and construction associations ask for assurance that funds available for additional work.
High-rise Construction | Apr 6, 2015
Melbourne tower will light up depending on weather
The tower will be illuminated by 164-foot-tall beams of LED light based on weather updates from the Bureau of Meteorology.
BIM and Information Technology | Apr 3, 2015
French startup develops drone camera that overlays video with 3D images
The new drones can capture video and overlay the shot results with 3D images and augmented reality remotely.
Libraries | Apr 2, 2015
6 award-winning libraries showcase next-gen design strategies
The new Cedar Rapids Public Library and the restored Slover Library in Norfolk, Va., are among six breakthrough projects honored with 2015 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards.
Contractors | Apr 1, 2015
ABC: Nonresidential construction spending flat in February
The Associated Builders and Contractors forecasts a robust nonresidential construction spending recovery in 2015, despite an underwhelming start.
Office Buildings | Apr 1, 2015
IBM's supercomputer Watson finds new home in Manhattan's Silicon Alley
The new headquarters for the former Jeopardy champ was conceived as a showcase for Watson’s capabilities, and as an inspirational workspace for Millennials and idea generators of all ages.
Sponsored | Fire and Life Safety | Apr 1, 2015
Radiant Heat: The Invisible Killer
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Where there’s fire, there’s the deadly threat of radiant heat.
Modular Building | Mar 31, 2015
Phoenix apartment complex will be made from recycled shipping containers
The eight-unit complex, called Containers on Grand, was inspired by the need for affordable and sustainable housing near the city's core.
Cultural Facilities | Mar 31, 2015
Pratt Institute to offer first-ever degree in placemaking
As part of its new Urban Placemaking and Management degree, Pratt will offer courses on topics such as "the history and theory of public space" and the "economics of place."
Architects | Mar 30, 2015
Q+A with Arthur Gensler, and advice from his new book
"Designers need to be trained to solve their clients’ problems through design while leading their own firms to become sustainable practices," says Gensler.
