Boston University Proposes New Institutional Master Plan

By Veronica Grecu, Associate Editor

Boston University recently filed a 58-page Institutional Master Plan (IMP) revealing a complex expansion initiative that would span over ten years. The development projects aim to renovate an existing student housing facility, create two 11-story buildings designed for academic research and expand several buildings.

According to the proposed IMP, Boston University intends to adopt a context-sensitive density strategy by utilizing existing surface parking lots for new buildings, preserving opportunities for air rights development over the Massachusetts Turnpike and including academic and retail activities that would attract public interest.

One of the new buildings would be located at  645-665 Commonwealth Avenue on an existing parking lot of 42,000 square feet. Its 280,000 square feet of space would be used for academic research, instruction and offices. The second construction slated at 30-38 Cummington Street would serve the Science and Engineering Research Department. The new, 165,000-square-foot facility would replace an existing 38,000-square-foot building.

Boston University also plans to expand the existing dormitories by renovating the Myles Standish facility and adding a 11-story building—called the Student Village Residence III and located between the recently opened dorms on 10 Buick Street and 33 Harry Agganis Way—that would accommodate up to 523 students.

The proposed IMP also aims to continue the beautification on the Kenmore Square area of Commonwealth Avenue with the installation of boulevard-like elements such as street furniture, trees, benches, trash receptacles, bike racks and upgraded lighting fixtures.