News Summary
UMass Boston is set to construct a new nursing building named the Beacon, enhancing its nursing program, the 9th largest in the U.S. This five-story facility will unify existing spaces and aid in meeting the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Completion is expected within five years, following a two-phase construction plan that incorporates sustainability goals and community support.
Boston – The University of Massachusetts Boston has announced plans to construct a new nursing building, named the Beacon, aimed at enhancing the growth and development of its nursing program, which is recognized as the 9th-largest nursing program in the United States. This new five-story facility will be located on the Dorchester campus and will serve to unify the current spaces used by the Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, which are currently spread across three separate buildings.
Encompassing 285,500 square feet of space, the Beacon is designed to accommodate future program growth and is anticipated to be a pivotal element in meeting the expanding demand for healthcare professionals. The university has filed plans for the project with the state’s environmental permitting office this month, although construction has not yet begun. The Beacon is identified as the university’s next construction priority, with completion expected within the next five years.
The construction of the Beacon will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will focus on renovating existing facilities, including the Quinn and Service and Supply buildings, to enhance code compliance and expand various departments, notably Nursing, Exercise and Health Science, and Student Services. Phase two will involve the construction of a new addition designed to further address program deficits and anticipated growth in health sciences and student leisure spaces.
This development will also feature a new campus entrance located at University Drive, which aims to improve circulation and connectivity to the campus plaza and quad. The updated nursing facility is part of a comprehensive 25-year master plan for the campus, which was initially initiated in 2009, and other ongoing projects include a five-story addition to the Integrated Sciences Complex, a two-story addition to the Clark Athletic Center, and the construction of a building for a seawater heat pump system.
Furthermore, construction of the Beacon aligns with UMass Boston’s sustainability goals. The university plans to utilize natural building materials such as copper and wood, leveraging existing facilities to reduce carbon footprints. Community members, including local civic association representatives, have expressed initial support for the project, indicating a positive reception within the neighborhood.
The nursing program at UMass Boston plays a critical role in addressing the growing healthcare workforce demands both locally and statewide. The addition of the Beacon is expected to enhance the university’s ability to train the next generation of skilled nurses, thereby supporting the overall health care system while providing students with improved facilities and resources to aid their education.
As the project progresses through the planning stages, the university remains focused on its commitment to developing a state-of-the-art nursing facility that not only reflects the needs of the program but also serves the wider community by ensuring a skilled workforce in health care for the future.
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- Dot News: UMass Boston Files Plans for Nursing Building
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- MassLive: New Beacon Building to House UMass Boston’s Nursing Program
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: University of Massachusetts Boston
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
