Simmons University Unveils State-of-the-Art Science Center as Part of the One Simmons Project

BOSTON– Over the past decade, Simmons University has reimagined the future of its campus to bolster the only all women’s undergraduate University in Boston. The plan, called One Simmons, reflects the strategic direction of the University and focuses on creating a connected, accessible, and inclusive campus that prioritizes student and academic space and provides new workforce development opportunities.

The three-phased strategic plan will combine Simmons’ residential and academic campuses, modernize Simmons’ science and library facilities, and include a student-centered Living and Learning Center in the heart of the main campus. One Simmons is the physical representation of Simmons’ student-centered philosophy, thoughtfully and intentionally designed to further Simmons’ mission of educating undergraduate and graduate students for independence, leadership, and social impact. 

Today, Simmons celebrates the completion of the second phase of the project by officially unveiling a state-of-the-art science center and renovated library. The 80,000 square foot science center designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects is located in Simmons’ LeFavour Hall and features over 22,000 square feet of lab space, including a new 30-bed Nursing and Health Science Simulation Center with state-of-the art technology and clinical care simulation rooms. The new lab spaces include teaching labs for the physical and natural sciences as well as simulation labs for Simmons’ nursing program.  

Simmons will also unveil their reimagined library which includes over 14,000 square feet of new study and collaborative learning space. A feature of the library is the University Archives that preserve the history of the last remaining women’s centered institution in the City. Academic collaboration and study space were prioritized, while maintaining the entire physical collection.  

Simmons University has been a critical institution in the Fenway and in the Longwood Medical Area for the past 125 years. The new health science facilities will enable the education of the next generation of leaders in the health sciences with unprecedented access to the same state-of-the-art equipment used in clinical settings. The labs located in Lefavour Hall are also accessible to nearby medical institutions looking to collaborate with a historic women’s University.  

This generational project would not be possible without the customized owner’s representation services of Simmons’ strategic partner, Redgate. The Redgate team has led the One Simmons project from the beginning, overseeing the creation of University’s Master Plan and assisting in the planning of the 400,000 square foot Living Learning Center (LLC) on Simmons’ main campus. Throughout every stage of the One Simmons project, Redgate has helped Simmons plan, finance and execute a real estate strategy that aligns with the University’s mission.

Phases One and Two of the One Simmons Project were constructed by Simmons’ longtime partner, Lee Kennedy Company. This summer, Simmons will begin the final phase of the One Simmons project with the groundbreaking of its new Living and Learning Center, constructed by Skanska. Set to deliver in 2026, the Living and Learning Center will be a vibrant epicenter for the entire Simmons community, linking Simmons’ residential and academic buildings for the first time. The LLC will provide modern, accessible living, athletic, social, and dining spaces for students. The LLC will include a green roof terrace, a 80,000 square foot NCAA athletic facility and 1,100 resident beds, which will be the newest student residency in the City of Boston. The reimagined Simmons University will be a collaborative, vibrant campus, accessible and inclusive to Simmons’ undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, alumni, staff, and visitors.  

“We have been careful and thoughtful in our planning for One Simmons. It is the culmination of a decade of planning and hard work that reflects the strategic direction of our University and advances this institution’s leadership in nursing, the health sciences, and library sciences. We look forward to beginning the final phase of this project as Simmons continues its critical mission of educating the next generation of leaders,” said President of Simmons University Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten.  

“Smart, optimized use of real estate assets and facilities are integral to ensuring the long-term sustainability of institutes of higher education,” said Thomas Hamill Principal of Redgate. “The Redgate team was honored to partner with Simmons University on the One Simmons project, ensuring that the reimagined Simmons campus will continue to serve students, attract leading faculty, inspire donors and invigorate surrounding communities for generations to come.”  

“We are grateful to Redgate for their partnership on One Simmons since 2017 and look forward to seeing what we can accomplish through 2026. They have guided us through every phase of this transformative journey – One Simmons wouldn’t be the success that it is without them,” said Laura Brink, Vice President, University Real Estate Development and Facilities Management for Simmons University. “They guided us through COVID, through a complicated permitting process, and through complex financial negotiations – their partnership is second to none.”