Suffolk University Buys a Landmark

Ames Building Suffolk University

Kenneth C. Zirkel

BOSTON, MA – Suffolk University President Marisa Kelly recently announced that the university has completed the purchase of the Ames building at 1 Court St. in Boston. The university plans to seek permitting for a new residence hall in the heart of Suffolk’s core downtown Boston campus, with a projected opening of fall 2020.

“This is a great opportunity for Suffolk and an important investment in our future,” says Kelly, who cited a strategic initiative to expand residence hall capacity on campus.

The next step toward this goal is undergoing the rigorous city review process necessary to permit the building for use as a residence hall, a process that will involve significant input from the Boston community. John Nucci, senior vice president for External Affairs for Suffolk University, and his team are leading this process.

“The opportunities that our students gain while living, studying, and working within our downtown Boston campus are exceptional,” says Kelly. “Expanding campus housing in this location will further facilitate this commitment both for the students who will live in the building and by offering additional opportunities to launch new or expanded partnerships with our neighbors.”

The Ames Building at 1 Court St., built in 1893, was the first skyscraper in Boston and the city's tallest building until 1915. It is steps from City Hall, the financial district, and the Old State House and within several blocks of key university buildings. It will become another centerpiece of Suffolk’s campus, helping to further solidify the university’s borderless community within the center of Boston.

Featured

  • Deferred Maintenance Issues Growing at Universities, Gordian Reports

    U.S. colleges and universities are falling increasingly behind on facilities maintenance and repair, according to Gordian’s 13th annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report. The deferred capital renewal burden has reached $156 per gross square foot, an 8% increase over the previous year.

  • Minnesota District Starts Construction on Early Childhood Learning Center

    Sauk Rapids-Rice Public Schools in Sauk Rapids, Minn., recently announced that construction has begun on a new early childhood learning center and a new outdoor activities complex, according to a news release.

  • Rowan University, HPE Partner on New Learning Initiative

    Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., recently announced that it has expanded its partnership with enterprise technology provider HPE to improve research capabilities and hands-on learning opportunities, according to a news release.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.