Suffolk University is undertaking projects to enhance our facilities, through new building projects, renovations, and energy efficiency upgrades. As part of Suffolk University’s commitment to sustainability, we are pursuing Silver-LEED certification for new building projects.

 

Locally Owned Coffee Shop in Downtown Suffolk Building

Visit the Boston Common Coffee Company located at 515 Washington Street, in the heart of Downtown Crossing. This locally owned coffee shop provides a retail option for Suffolk University students as well as the general public to enjoy seven days a week.

 

Modern Theatre

Suffolk’s new Modern Theatre will be integrated into the adjacent 10 West Residence Hall and will include a new student residential facility to accommodate 200 students and a cultural center with studio theater and gallery. Construction began in fall 2008 and is expected to be completed in 2010.  The project will feature a complete and sensitive restoration of the historic Washington Street façade of the theatre. 

Before construction began, this designated Boston landmark sat vacant for 20 years.  The Boston Redevelopment Authority selected Suffolk University as the designated developer of this parcel.  Suffolk’s project will achieve several goals of the University, the City of Boston, and neighborhood stakeholders.  It will foster enhanced vitality in the surrounding neighborhood, preserve an historic landmark, create new cultural spaces and address City housing goals for colleges and universities in Boston.

 

20 Somerset

The construction of a new academic classroom building will house a relocated New England School of Art and Design (NESAD) at Suffolk University and the Communications & Journalism Department. The primary academic sub-uses within the Project include a range of studios, classrooms, laboratories, workshops, offices, administrative and support space, a fine arts resource room, and exhibit spaces.

The University will also undertake significant improvements to the adjacent Roemer Plaza, which is owned by the Commonwealth and will remain under state control. The goal of the Plaza improvements is to create an active and welcoming urban open space that the public, state employees and the Suffolk community can all enjoy. The concept for this project grows from the desire to integrate Suffolk University’s academic program requirements with the characteristics and context of this unique urban parcel, thereby transforming a currently derelict site into a new, vibrant and respectful institutional landmark. 

 

73 Tremont - 10th floor

Fit-out of administrative and faculty offices for Economics, Government, History, and Philosophy Departments.  Faculty and staff formerly located at One Bowdoin have moved to 73 Tremont.  The Government Department moved from 20 Ashburton Place to 73 Tremont during the summer of 2009. 

 

Classroom Improvements

As part of our commitment to providing excellent learning environments, we upgraded several classrooms and labs across campus during the 2008/2009 academic year to improve technology, furnishings, and equipment.  Of our 100 classrooms, 80 feature media via virtual mobile; the remaining classrooms have access to portable technology setups. For concerns regarding classrooms, please contact Facilities.

 

Resource Efficiency

We are committed to improving the efficiency of our facilities.  Retrofits, equipment upgrades, and maintenance, combined with education enable Suffolk University to reduce energy and water consumption.  Since 2007 we have reduced our electricity consumption by 9% and water consumption by 3%.  Examples of our resource efficiency investments include:

• lighting and water retrofits (campus-wide),
• chiller overhaul (Sargent Hall),
• conversion of boiler from electricity to natural gas (Sawyer Building),
• variable speed drives on equipment (campus-wide),
• vending misers on vending machines, and
• energy management systems (Fenton Building).