Center
There is a great deal of development that is slated
for the Greater Boston area in the very near future. From
condominium towers to expansive commercial spaces, top of the line
restaurants and more, there is much to get incredibly excited about
as it refers to the future of the Hub. Now, yet more positivity is
making headlines as our famed education sector continues to
improve. With world class universities, none is perhaps more well
known than Harvard University. It has just been reported that the
Harvard Business School is set to break ground on a superb facility
in Allston.
After signing a contract with developers at Skanska,
this project will see a $57 Million complex built to be known as
the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center. With four stories and 87,000 square
feet, the building will replace the Kresge Hall near Soldiers Field
Road and will encompass executive education programs as well as
have additional classrooms, a dining area, offices, and common
areas. More than 10,000 students will be accommodated in such a
space annually, which will also serve as the gateway building for
five other buildings in the complex housing the schools executive
education division.
Overall, this expansion represents just one facet of
the ten year master plan Harvard has established with the Boston
Redevelopment Authority. When all is said and done, some 1.4
million square feet of new space will be created for the University
that will also see its campus grow across the Charles River in
Allston.
The majority of the funding for the Ruth Mulan Chu
Chao Center will come from the Dr. James Si-Cheng Chao and Family
Foundation who donated $40 Million last year towards this vision.
Mr. Chao is the founder of the Foremost Group, a New York-based
shipping company. Mr. Chao and his wife, Ruth Mulan Chu Chao,
recently sent four of their children successfully through Harvards
MBA program.
To be designed by Goody Clancy, the project is expected to break
ground in March of 2014, with the expected grand opening slated for
May of 2016.
More Information: Boston Business
Journal