Skip to main content

LARTS Restoration Project

LARTS Restoration Project Important Information

Liberal Arts building (LARTS) with yellow flowers in foreground

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 Upgrades to outdated building systems will include energy efficiency improvements like a new geothermal heating and cooling system, triple pane windows, a new insulated roof, and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 scheduled to begin at the end of the spring 2025 semester. Building occupancy and reopening will occur before the spring 2027 semester.

Diagrams of classrooms in LARTS

Diagrams of updated LARTS classroom designs

Project Benefits

  • Updated classrooms will include new technology and flexible classroom furniture.
  • Updated faculty and staff break rooms, including seating and cabinetry.
  • All exterior windows will be updated with triple-glazed, insulated glass.
  • Increased insulation to interior walls.
  • A new roof will be installed to address leaks and increase insulation.
  • Installation of heating and air conditioning systems throughout the building.
A timeline graphic of the LARTS project

Timeline for LARTS Restoration Project

Transition Plan

  • LARTS plans to be empty for 3 semesters (Fall ’25, Spring ’26, Fall ’26)
  • The Registrar’s Office has begun planning Fall 2025 classroom assignments
  • Preliminary Swing Space plan is now ready for input from Chairs, faculty, and staff
  • Climate-controlled, off-campus storage will be provided for work materials not needed during renovation.
  • Shredding services and dumpsters will be made available.
  • Packing boxes and assistance will be provided.
  • Review the LARTS Project Frequently Asked Questions website to learn more.

Next Steps

  • In the coming months, faculty and staff located in LARTS will receive regular updates and instructions about preparing for move-out.
  • Please send questions and comments relating to the LARTS Restoration Project to masterplanning@umassd.edu.

LARTS Webinars