OVER THE PAST TWO DECADES, UMass Lowell has undergone a sweeping physical transformation that mirrors its rise as a top-tier public research university. What was once a commuter-heavy campus has now become a vibrant, interconnected community defined by state-of-the-art facilities, sustainable design and welcoming, accessible spaces. 

Strategic investments exceeding $900 million have revitalized classrooms, laboratories and residence halls while uniting the university’s North, South and East campuses into a cohesive whole. New academic centers and student spaces designed for collaboration and creativity energize campus life, and the university’s presence now extends into downtown Lowell and along the Merrimack River.
UMass Lowell Campus Recreation Center

2002

Campus Recreation Center

The 65,000-square-foot facility includes a fitness center, multipurpose courts for club sports and an indoor track.

UMass Lowell's Bellegarde Boathouse along the Merrimack River

2007

Bellegarde Boathouse

Renovated riverfront facility housing the university’s club rowing team and Kayak Center, with tenants including Lowell High School rowing and the Merrimack River Rowing Association.

Paul E. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell

2010

Tsongas Center

Acquired arena from the city of Lowell, providing a premier venue for athletics, concerts and community events.

UMass Lowell's Health and Social Sciences Building

2013

Donna Manning Health and Social Sciences Building (HSSB)

Modern classrooms and labs centralize programs in psychology, criminal justice and health sciences.

University Suites

Residence hall with apartment-style living, part of a growing residential community in which 40% of undergraduates live on or near campus.

Riverview Suites*

Residence hall includes classrooms and teaching labs that allow health-related majors to learn where they live.

*Leased by the university

Massive wooden sculpture hanging in lobby of University Crossing

2014

University Crossing

Soon to be named the Martin T. Meehan Student Center, the 230,000-square-foot hub connects all campuses and consolidates student services.

Lobby of 110 Canal building with UMass Lowell logo on wall

2015

110 Canal Street*

Home of the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2), the New England Robotics Validation and Experimentation (NERVE) Center and the Fabric Discover Center anchors Lowell’s Hamilton Canal District with startup, lab and coworking space.

*Leased by the university

McGauvran Center at UMass Lowell

2016

McGauvran Center

Renovated and expanded dining and student space on South Campus.

Pulichino Tong Business Building at night

2017

Pulichino Tong Business Center

LEED-certified home of the Manning School of Business.

Perry Hall entrance

2019

Perry Hall

Renovated engineering facility featuring new labs and research spaces.

Coburn Hall entrance

2020

Coburn Hall

Historic South Campus landmark restored and expanded in a $47 million renovation for the School of Education and the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Aerial view of LeLacheur Ball park at night

2022

LeLacheur Park

Acquired 5,000-seat baseball stadium from the city of Lowell; now home to River Hawk baseball, the Futures Collegiate Baseball League and community events.

Artist rendering of renovations at Olney Hall

2025

Olney Science Center

Work begins on a $127 million expansion and modernization. Opening in 2027, it will feature a new three-story wing with a dozen physics, chemistry and weather labs and a 160-seat auditorium.