Suffolk University to begin construction on Thursday at 2:30 PM
This coming Thursday, the 14th of November, Suffolk University will break ground on what is going to be a truly spectacular facility located at 20 Somerset Street. Not long ago in July we mentioned this endeavor in a blog when the plans were just released. Although some of the main details of the project were highlighted, items like the anticipated groundbreaking had yet to be determined. Well now is that time, and it is with great optimism that we are about to see yet another project rise to once again redefine our ever-changing skyline here in the Hub.
Near Government Center and at the edge of Beacon Hill, the 10-story glass facility has been designed by NBBJ architects of Boston. Formerly, this location of Boston was occupied by the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC, now the Department of Conservation and Recreation). Costing Suffolk roughly $49 Million to construct, the building will encompass a 200-seat dining hall, faculty offices, a student art gallery, and a great deal of first-rate classrooms.
The building will consist of 110,000 square feet and will have eight of the floors dedicated to the classroom spaces. Some of the advancements in technology will allow for those pupils learning in these classrooms to benefit from advantages such as electronic whiteboards and learning pods to allow them to work together to collaborate on various efforts on screens organized throughout the classrooms.
The property was purchased by Suffolk University back in 2006 for $8 Million when the vision was for a 22-story dormitory to be built on the site. However, neighbors of Beacon Hill and the Mayor of the time, Thomas M. Menino, were opposed to such a proposal. As a result, we come to this approved initiative which when complete will add to Suffolk University's portfolio of already fourteen buildings all in Downtown Boston.
Demolition on the former MDC building has been complete, although several aspects are being incorporated into the new Suffolk University building. Finally, the development will also see Suffolk University developers renovate Roemer Plaza, a place that commemorates the history of the Metropolitan District Commission. James McCarthy, the President of Suffolk University, came forward to conclude on this exciting news and stated that, The 20 Somerset academic building will provide Suffolk students with a whole new learning environment designed to connect them more closely with faculty and peers for a collaborative and interactive approach to scholarship. The building also will enhance our teaching of the sciences. In a state that leads the world in the life science industries, Suffolk is focused on providing a science curriculum that prepares graduates to step into important jobs in those fields.
More Information: Boston Business Journal
