UMass Lowell celebrates sixth new building on-campus

Student trustee Phil Geoffroy remembers entering his freshman year, when University Suites was just a construction site. Three years later, the relentless September sun did not stop more than 150 people from attending the University Suites grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“These University Suites will be a vital part of our community,” said Geoffroy.

Although University Suites is the most expensive place to live on-campus, it filled up the fastest during the spring application process because students want to live in a first-rate facility, said Chancellor Marty Meehan. Special features of the building include a Red Mango frozen yogurt and smoothie franchise, Hawks Nest Café and Starbucks, all of which recently opened on the first floor of the building.

The $54 million residence hall houses 472 upperclassmen students in four and six person suite-style rooms, featuring amenities such as full bathrooms, a living room and kitchenettes, said Matt Austin, associate director of residence life. Full kitchens are also available on each floor of the building, as well as common spaces for studying and conference rooms.

Hawks Nest Cafe,  located on the first floor of the building. 

University Suites, as well as Riverview Suites, were built in an effort to bring more students on campus, said Meehan. Statistically, students do better academically when they are actively involved with the campus community, he said.

Alicia Negron, associate resident director and junior biology major, said students are actively engaging with one another. Negron is proud to be a part of the community of University Suites, she said.

University Suites plays a significant role in connecting the university with the City of Lowell, said Mayor Patrick Murphy.

Meehan recognized the impact the university has on the city, and wanted the new residence hall to represent the university’s connectivity to Lowell. “The city has a specific strategy for what the landscape of a neighborhood should look like,” he said. Situated near LeLacheur Park and the Tsongas Center, University Suites “blends seamlessly into this very historic neighborhood,” Meehan said.

Larry Siegel, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and university events, believes that University Suites is a symbol of UMass Lowell’s growth. “It's just one more beacon of the success and transformation of the university in every way possible,” said Siegel.

University Suites is one of six new buildings opened on campus within the last year. University Crossing, a new student center, is slated to open in the fall of 2014.

One of the full-kitchens found on each floor of the dorm.