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Exploring the New Living and Learning Center

A rendering of the entrance to the new Living and Learning Center
The entrance to the Living and Learning Center is the first space to experience in this extraordinary building. The left side of the entrance will feature an outdoor seating area lined by bricks purchased and personalized by alumnae/i and friends.

“One Simmons is our vision for the future and is built for collaboration, inclusion, and accessibility.” — Laura Brink Pisinski '06MS, Vice President of University Real Estate Development and Facilities Management

The Living and Learning Center, the final phase of the once-in-a-generation One Simmons project, will serve as a vibrant epicenter for the entire Simmons community to share. Slated to open in January 2027, it features welcoming living spaces for students, a modern fitness and wellness center, two dining spaces, event spaces, and areas to connect, study, and socialize. A topping off ceremony for the Living and Learning Center will take place during the 125th Anniversary Reunion this summer.

Renderings provided by Elkus Manfredi Architects

A rendering of a student residence room within the new Living and Learning Center

Student Residence Room

One of the rooms that will be home to more than 1,000 students, these bright, light-filled spaces are climate-controlled and ADA-compliant, and feature sustainable lighting and flexible furniture. The residence rooms, which consist of singles, doubles, triples, and select four-person suites, feature 360-degree views of the Boston skyline.

A rendering of students studying in the student lounge on the residence floor of the new Living and Learning Center. The Boston skyline is visible from the windows.

Student Lounge on Residence Floor

Each of the 14 residential floors features multiple student lounges that are equipped for a variety of activities, such as studying, meeting, socializing, meditating, or yoga. Large windows provide expansive views of the Boston skyline, while soft seating provides space for conversation, games, and other activities.

A rendering of students seated and moving through the main lobby of the new Living and Learning Center

Main Lobby, Central Stairs, and First Floor Cafe

The ground floor level of the Living and Learning Center features gathering spaces and a cafe accented by a cozy, two-story fireplace. Comfortable seating provides opportunities for quiet reading or contemplation as well as casual conversation and meetings. The cafe offers casual dining along with grab-and-go food service

A rendering of students eating, studying, and moving through the Dining Hall within the new Living and Learning Center

Dining Hall

The second level of the dining hall offers a large space with a variety of all-you-care-to-eat food options for students, faculty, and staff. Special features include an allergy-safe station, smoothie bar, stone pizza oven, salad bar, and many other options.

A rendering of students using exercise equipment in the Fitness and Recreation Area of the new Living and Learning Center

Fitness and Recreation Center

The new fitness and recreation center offers a variety of cardio and weight lifting equipment–including treadmills, bikes, elliptical machines, free weights, a spinning studio, and more–for use by our entire community. The exterior windows overlook the quad and academic buildings.

A rendering of students both in the pool and on the bleachers in the pool area of the new Living and Learning Center

Natatorium

The bleachers provide an ideal space to watch swimming and diving meets in the eight-lane, NCAA-compliant natatorium. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow tremendous natural light and specialty spaces include a trampoline pit that provides extra practice space for divers.

A rendering of students playing volleyball while fans look on from the bleachers in the gymnasium of the new Living and Learning Center

University Gymnasium

The gymnasium provides ample space for any court sport, including volleyball, basketball, and pickleball. In addition, a movable batting cage allows for year-round field practice for softball and lacrosse. The space is also designed to host large University events with movable screens and a state-of-the-art sound system.

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Author

Laura Wareck

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