Wellesley College continues to invest in campus upgrades, and word surfaced this week that it will receive $145.2m from a bond sale by a quasi public agency called MassDevelopment. We found no word of the deal on the college or agency websites, but the Wall Street Journal and others have reported on the financial news (we have reached out to the college and will update this post if we get an update).
The private college, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, has had its share of quality time with Wellesley town board and committee meetings in recent years regarding projects, from those involving an antenna siting to upgrades at Nehoiden Golf Course to renovations at Clapp Library. The College last year made moves to try to avoid having to go to so many Design Review Board meetings for projects it argued would barely be noticed by those off campus.
The college on Nov. 17 is set to appear before the Wellesley Planning Board for an online public hearing regarding a new Project of Significant Impact. The college seeks a special permit to build five single-story temporary dorm buildings totaling about 22,000 sq. ft. to serve as swing space for 150 student beds while existing dorms are renovated over the next 8-10 years. The project replaces Dower Hall, which is going down (Dower Hall is located on the side of campus near the College Club).
Separately, MassBay Community College is looking to build cybersecurity and recreation facilities on its Wellesley campus at the intersection of Oakland Street and Rte. 9 east.
This plan is intertwined with the state’s effort to dispose of 45 acres of MassBay property to use for housing, as proceeds from the project would partially fund MassBay development, which would cost tens of millions of dollars based on an early vision for such development. The emerging plan has received lots of attention in town, both by those who live nearby and fear traffic and other impacts, those concerned about the possible loss of forest land, and those bullish on more housing opportunities. An upcoming public workshop is designed to help the town share its ideas with the state for what will work in Wellesley.
Meanwhile, Babson College has a Project of Significant Impact of its own in the works, with plans to redo the executive conference center and garage in a big way.
A public hearing with the Planning Board was held in May to discuss Babson’s plans for a new Executive Lodge and Conference Center consisting of approximately 77,600 square feet of hospitality space, including guest rooms, function/meeting areas, a fitness center and restaurant space. Babson has been working its way through various town bodies, including the Zoning Board of Appeals.
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Dower is a former stable. Its time is done but that was my first year dorm and I feel a little sad it’s being squashed for temporary housing. Ah well. That side of the campus is largely unloved anyway.
Thanks for sharing this background Kristin