LARTS Restoration Project

Project overview

The UMass Dartmouth Liberal Arts and Sciences or LARTS building, originally designed by mid-century modernist architect Paul Rudolph, opened in 1966 as the first academic building on the 710-acre Southeastern Massachusetts Technical Institute campus. Today, many of the largest academic programs in the humanities and social sciences and many of UMass Dartmouth’s student support centers are located in the 165,000 sq ft LARTS building. The restoration project will address critical repairs to the existing building envelope and original mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems that have reached the end of their useful life cycle. Upgrades to outdated building systems will include energy efficiency improvements like a new geothermal heating and cooling system, triple pane windows, a new insulated roof, and new electrical and lighting systems. Classrooms, student support centers, and other communal learning spaces will receive new furniture and technology upgrades.

The 18-month-long construction activity is on track for building occupancy and reopening before the spring 2027 semester.

Important relocation information

While LARTS is offline during the restoration project, please refer to the list below for updated locations for Centers, labs, and offices:

• Academic Resource Center (ARC) – Library 219
• Center for Portuguese Studies and Culture – Library Basement M02
• College Now – Modular #7 (Between Dion and Lot 17)
• College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office – Campus Center 225
• International Programs Office – Library 234 & 236
• Kaput Center (STEM Ed Research) – Textiles 107
• Language Learning and Multimedia Center – Library 135
• Leduc Center for Civic Engagement – Campus Center 232
• STAR Center (Advising) – Library 228
• Writing and Multiliteracy Center (WMC) – Library 219 

Project timeline

Next steps

• Please send questions and comments relating to the LARTS Restoration Project to masterplanning@umassd.edu.