University of Massachusetts Amherst, South College Academic Facility

Amherst, MA
Key Elements
  • Historic building renovation 
  • New building addition 
  • NPDES permitting 

With the goal of partially maintaining the original structure of the historic building, the project included the renovation of 30,000 square feet of the original building, dating back to 1886, and the construction of a 67,500-square-foot addition. The four-story addition added common spaces that facilitate a communal learning environment, multiple floors of faculty offices, classrooms, and auditoriums. The end result is a state-of-the-art academic building that serves the UMass Humanities department. 

Nitsch performed an existing conditions assessment and site analysis. In close coordination with the project team, we provided site utility design to support a major utility upgrade. We designed stormwater management solutions for the site, and provided assistance for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting and for pursuit of LEED Gold certification. 

Key Collaborators

Owner: University of Massachusetts Building Authority 
Architect: DiMella Shaffer, Kliment Halsband Architects 
Landscape Architect: Towers | Golde 
MEP Engineer: BR+A