BOSTON–The University of Massachusetts Amherst, in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Building Authority, today issued a request for proposals (RFP) to explore partnering with a developer(s) to create a comprehensive, long-range plan to modernize campus housing and maintain affordability for decades.
Newmark, a leading commercial real estate advisory firm, will manage the procurement process. The procurement is designed to devise responsible and creative mixed-use plans to strategically renovate and/or expand the flagship campus’ existing housing stock to meet diverse affordability needs; integrate sustainable design; enhance infrastructure supporting the academic and campus life experience for students, faculty and staff; and ease regional pressures for undergraduate, graduate and non-student housing.
The RFP also will open the door to explore mixed-use development concepts with retail and non-traditional undergraduate, graduate and non-student housing. Approximately 80% of the university’s residential halls were built before 1971, and are not efficient or environmentally sustainable, and require significant investment to be modernized consistent with current standards for new campus housing.
“In issuing this RFP, we’re hoping to elicit creative and innovative proposals for addressing our long-term housing and deferred maintenance needs,” said Chancellor Javier Reyes. “By adding to and modernizing our housing stock and enhancing campus amenities through a public-private partnership, we could lessen some of the pressure on the regional housing market while freeing up resources to devote to our core mission of boundary-breaking research and transformative scholarship for the common good.”
The primary area of opportunity is on the Amherst campus, with potential partnership options on the Mount Ida Campus of UMass Amherst in Newton.
Prospective developers would be expected to ensure the mixed-use development proposals articulate a clear connection to UMass Amherst’s stated vision and strategic campus priorities.
Responses are expected to address recommendations from a 2014 U3 Advisors report for ways the University and Town of Amherst could create a stable balance in housing and economic growth that allows the region to prosper. As that 2014 report suggested, this RFP requests proposals for a mixed-use development with housing for students and retail through a public-private partnership (P3) that alleviates the need for the university to borrow money. Potential developers also would be expected to ensure that the housing initiative on university property in Amherst and Hadley is aligned with the Healey-Driscoll administration’s statewide housing priorities.
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration commends UMass Amherst for their thoughtful approach to housing development that meets the needs of the university community and Amherst residents,” said Ed Augustus, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “The initiative announced today is in line with the Administration’s priority to leverage state-owned land, build new housing, and drive down costs. We are excited by the possibility of new homes in Amherst for locals, staff, students and faculty alike.”
This procurement is based on a model previously used successfully by UMBA on UMass campuses, and by higher educational institutions nationwide to deliver exceptional results for their communities while remaining prudent stewards of resources. The P3 process under consideration is an alternative procurement method intended to limit the university’s debt burden.
The proposal process opened Jan. 22, 2025. This RFP is the first step in exploring what public-private partnership opportunities may be available to the university as it implements its 10-year strategic plan.
