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