Photo courtesy of Skanska

What: Science Center and Library
Where: 255 Brookline Ave., Boston
Owner: Simmons University
Built: 2023 

A newly completed 80,000-square-foot science center and renovated library are part of the second phase of Simmons University’s One Simmons campus redesign. 

Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, the science center at LeFavour Hall includes 22,000 square feet of teaching lab space for physical and natural sciences and a 30-bed nursing and health science center, with clinical care simulation rooms for the university’s nursing program. The library includes over 14,000 square feet of new study and collaborative learning space and a university archive. 

Owner’s representative Redgate advised Simmons on the three-phase master plan. It combines Simmons’ residential and academic campuses and adds a 400,000-square-foot Living and Learning Center in the heart of the main campus, which is scheduled for completion in 2026. The LLC includes 1,100 beds along with athletic, social and dining space in a tower that will rise next to LeFavour Hall. 

The former residential campus will be redeveloped by Skanska into 1.7 million square feet of office, life science and multifamily buildings. 

They Said It:  

“Smart, optimized use of real estate assets and facilities are integral to ensuring the long-term sustainability of institutes of higher education.”
— Thomas Hamill, principal, Redgate