Construction Updates

Lesley University's Construction Updates site has been developed to help inform you of the progress of campus construction. Listed below are several current, anticipated and recently-completed building projects on the Lesley campus. If you would like to receive regular construction updates via e-mail, please join our mailing list at construction@lesley.edu

CURRENT PROJECTS

FITNESS CENTER

Located in Doble Hall, across the quad from the McKenna Student Center, Lesley's new Fitness Center will expand opportunities for health and wellness. With over 5,500 sf on two levels, the new fitness center will feature state-of-the-art equipment for aerobic activity (treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and ergs) and weight training (8' power racks, Smith machine, functional trainer, freeweights and other weight-training equipment) as well as space for sports therapy and team meetings. Other features include efficient heating/air-conditioning systems, fully ADA-accessible restrooms and showers, energy-efficient lighting, an advanced distributed sound system and flat-screen tvs with CATV programming. With high ceilings and expansive window-walls overlooking the quad, the new Fitness Center promises to become a popular campus destination. For more information, please contact:

• WEEKLY UPDATES
• Tom Burke, Superintendent, Richard White Sons Construction: 617-293-4931
• After business hours, please contact the 24-hour security hotline at 617-349-8888

INFORMATION COMMONS

With the relocation of Lesley's main book collection to the renovated Sherrill Library, Doble Hall's upper floors are being transformed into a resource center for student research, advising and academic support. Conceived as a "library without books," the Information Commons makes use of technology to provide access to online library resources, databases and other research materials in a welcoming, comfortable environment designed for both individual study and collaborative group work. Overlooking the quad, the 1,500 sf Information Commons will form the heart of a comprehensive academic center that includes three computer classrooms, the center for academic advising, international and multicultural student services, counseling services, and the career resource center. Together with the recently-completed McKenna Student Center and the soon-to-be-completed Fitness Center, this project will secure the quad's role as a hub of student life.

• WEEKLY UPDATES
• Tom Burke, Superintendent, Richard White Sons Construction: 617-293-4931
• After business hours, please contact the 24-hour security hotline at 617-349-8888

BOOKSTORE

Operated by Barnes & Noble and opening in November 2009, the newly renovated Lesley Bookstore will serve both Lesley students, faculty and staff as well as the general public, with an expanded general interest titles section, soft seating and fresh, welcoming decor. The bookstore will be located on the first floor of University Hall, part of the thriving Shops at Porter shopping mall and convenient to the School of Education and Student Administrative Services Center. Design and construction of the bookstore is being coordinated by Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, Inc.

RECENTLY-COMPLETED PROJECTS

NEW RESIDENCE HALLS

On August 31, 2009, Lesley students, faculty, administrators and neighbors gathered to celebrate the opening of two new residence halls at 1 and 3 Wendell Street. The buildings' first residents moved into their new homes over the weekend of September 6-7. Lesley extends its thanks to all those who made this milestone project possible. 1 and 3 Wendell represent Lesley’s first ground-up new construction since 1973 and benefited from a collaborative process with neighbors, designed to meet both university and neighborhood goals. Learn more about the project including its historic Groundbreaking and the Neighborhood Working Group that worked together on its design and construction.

SHERRILL LIBRARY

Over the Summer of 2009, Lesley's main book collection moved to spacious new quarters in the Sherrill Library on the Brattle Campus. In anticipation of the move, interior renovations to the Sherrill Library upgraded the building's technology and information infrastructure. On September 1, 2009, Sherrill Library officially re-opened as the joint library of Lesley University and the Episcopal Divinity School. Patrons can now enjoy new amenities including a state-of-the-art information commons, expanded group study space, conference rooms, technology production facilities and improved interior design and lighting.

CENTER FOR THE ADULT LEARNER

As part of the University's strategic goal to provide innovative approaches to help adult students finish Bachelor's degrees and enhance resources for non-traditional age students, the Center for the Adult Learner was created during the Summer of 2009. Located in a renovated Victorian house on Mellen Street, the center brings under one roof, academic counseling and advising services as well as meeting and group study space. The renovation upgraded the house's technology infrastructure in addition to internal space reconfigurations. A comfortable student lounge serves as a "homebase" for this distinct student population and, together with a landscaped lawn, provides opportunities for community building.

ANTICIPATED PROJECTS

ART INSTITUTE

On June 22, 2009, the Cambridge City Council voted to adopt a zoning change that would allow The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University to relocate to Cambridge from its current location in Kenmore Square in Boston, creating the foundation of an arts district in Porter Square. The proposal includes the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility for The Art Institute of Boston (AIB) on Lesley’s Porter Campus and an the adaptive re-use and restoration of the historic former North Prospect Church. Although a construction schedule has not yet been determined, a website with more information about the project has been developed:

• AIB Relocation / Porter Square

Maintained: Office of Campus Planning & Office of Public Affairs