Merrimack College took a significant step toward expanding its on-campus housing footprint, presenting to the North Andover, Mass. Planning Board a proposed complex that will add modern residence halls and new classroom spaces for learning and collaboration.
The project features two buildings at the intersection of Rte. 114 and Andover Street, in front of the Collegiate Church of Christ the Teacher. The design plans ensure both the front of the church and the Statue of Christ the Teacher, gateways of Merrimack’s campus, will remain visible and accessible from the corner of the streets.
With more than 540 residential beds, this project represents the largest increase to the College’s on-campus housing stock since North Village opened in 2015.
“As a community, we are excited for what this project will bring to our campus and the positive impact it will have on all our students,” said Jeffrey Doggett, Merrimack’s executive vice president and chief financial officer. “From additional residence halls to new state-of-the-art classrooms, this development is a testament to our ongoing commitment to make Merrimack the thriving community it is by allowing our students another opportunity to learn and engage with one another in a residential environment.”
The buildings will take up a total of 139,600 square feet, each standing at four stories high, and will include both traditional residence-style rooms and suite-style accommodations. Also included is 10,800 square feet of new academic space.
As Merrimack College’s enrollment has more than doubled over the past 13 years, so too has the demand for on-campus housing. While the institution continues its evolution toward a high research activity university and R2 classification, the residential experience remains a fundamental aspect of the student experience.
This project will help to increase Merrimack’s housing capacity while also providing students with new, innovative spaces to improve collaboration and learning outcomes.
