Proposals Requested for UMass Lowell East Campus Mixed-Use Transformation

01/31/2022

Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu and Jonathan Strunk, 978-934-3332, Jonathan_Strunk@uml.edu

LOWELL, Mass. – Future UMass Lowell students may find their East Campus academic, career and social experiences transformed by a vibrant, active urban district following the announcement by the UMass Building Authority and Newmark offering 10 acres and more than 1 million square feet for mixed-use development across five parcels of land.

UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney said a partnership with the right private developers would strengthen a vision for East Campus that may include research and office space for co-located university industry partners, retail, arts, entertainment and restaurants, athletic facilities, residential developments, parking and other uses.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to create an urban district to benefit the university community, the residents of Lowell, and the corporate and nonprofit partners who work closely with faculty and play a central role in our students’ experiential learning opportunities through co-ops and internships,” Moloney said.

UMass President Marty Meehan, who played an instrumental role in the transformation of East Campus when he served as UMass Lowell’s chancellor, said efforts to continue developing the area have been discussed for a decade.

“We want to look at every opportunity to create an exciting and engaging environment for every member of the Lowell community,” Meehan said. “Whether you’re coming from your residence hall to your internship at a new company’s research lab or traveling from Lowell to see the River Hawks play at the Tsongas Center, the economic and quality of life impacts of this development will be profound.”

Elected and city leaders also voiced their support for the project.

“Developing this large portion of the East Campus, including areas around LeLacheur Park and the Tsongas Center, will transform the experience of UMass Lowell students and faculty, as well as residents across the region,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “It will also be key in bolstering efforts to bring new and exciting businesses and entertainment opportunities home to Lowell. I look forward to seeing the proposals and working with all of our stakeholders to make this project a reality.”

“The city has long been a strong partner with UMass Lowell and we’re excited to continue to work together to our mutual benefit,” said City Manager Eileen Donoghue.

Moloney said the university will continue to consult with the city as well as the university community as proposals are submitted and considered.

An additional benefit for two parcels of land near the Tsongas Center comes in the form of a federally designated Opportunity Zone, an area targeted for economic development where investors can obtain generous federal tax benefits, officials said.

UMass Lowell has a long history of public-private partnerships, including co-location research sites where university and industry researchers work side-by-side, often in conjunction with UML students who gain invaluable experience, pay and academic credit for their work. The university is a key pipeline for employers seeking skilled high-tech workers in the STEM fields and integrates entrepreneurial thinking into much of its curriculum and operations.

For example, more than 200 industry and government partners utilize UMass Lowell’s highly specialized, state-of-the-art core research facilities, a program that has created millions of dollars in revenue.

“Universities are economic engines in their communities and we couldn’t be more excited by the work Newmark is doing,” Moloney said. “This opportunity to develop additional mixed-use space; erase remaining barriers between UMass Lowell, industry leaders and the city’s residents; add social and entertainment venues for all; and enhance our students’ experiential learning is one that will benefit all of Lowell for decades.”

Additional information is available by contacting Newmark’s Boston Capital Markets Group.

UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be leaders in their communities and around the globe. www.uml.edu