12/11/2024
By Erin Caron
Hello Everyone,
I’m excited to share that, in partnership with the UMass Building Authority, Facilities Management will begin construction on the Olney Infrastructure Renewal Project in January 2025. This transformative project is designed to enhance the student experience and strengthen our campus community.
Key Features of the Project:
• A 56,000 sq. ft. addition and the renovation of approximately 54,000 sq. ft. within the existing building.
• Creation of state-of-the-art instructional spaces, including:
5 new Physics instructional labs.
5 new Chemistry instructional labs
New Weather Lab for EEAS
10 modernized classrooms, including a 160-person auditorium and 3 TEAL-enabled (Technology-Enhanced Active Learning) classrooms.
• A new Knowledge Commons and Living Room to serve as a central hub for collaboration and study.
• A Starbucks café for a convenient and welcoming gathering spot.
• A stunning three-story atrium offering spaces for poster sessions, quiet study, or simply enjoying a coffee.
The project will also establish a contemporary Campus Gateway that warmly welcomes the community to North Campus. All renovations and additions will feature modern building systems, be universally accessible, and achieve LEED certification, aligning with our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.
We’re thrilled about the opportunities this project will bring to our campus, and we’d love to hear your feedback! Please join us for a virtual Town Hall this Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 10:30 AM to learn more, view the designs, and share your thoughts and questions.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Best regards,
Rupinder Sembhi
Facilities Management
Microsoft Teams link