UMass Amherst turns to public-private partnership to redevelop campus housing

New England’s largest public research university is looking to redevelop campus housing with help from the private sector. The University of Massachusetts Amherst, working with the University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA), issued a request for proposals for a new public-private partnership seeking developers to create comprehensive plans for renovating and expanding student housing while maintaining long-term affordability.

The request comes as the university faces significant challenges with its aging residential facilities. Approximately 80% of UMass Amherst’s residential halls were constructed before 1971, requiring substantial investments to meet modern sustainability and efficiency standards. The project is also intended to increase the overall amount of student housing available.

“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,” said Chancellor Javier Reyes.

The procurement process, managed by commercial real estate advisory firm Newmark, seeks mixed-use development proposals that will renovate existing housing while adding retail space and new housing options for students. Developers will need to integrate sustainable design principles and enhance infrastructure supporting academic and campus life.

While the primary development opportunities are on the Amherst campus, the RFP also includes potential partnership options at the Mount Ida Campus in Newton. The initiative builds on recommendations from a 2014 report that outlined strategies for balanced housing and economic growth in the Amherst region.

The public-private partnership (P3) model has been successfully implemented at other UMass campuses and universities nationwide. This alternative procurement method is designed to limit the university’s debt burden while delivering needed infrastructure improvements.

The proposal process opened January 22, 2025, marking the first step in exploring P3 opportunities as part of the university’s 10-year strategic plan. Developers can find more information through the procurement page managed by Newmark.

Photo courtesy Tomwsulcer, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons