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n a groundbreaking ceremony, Salem State University and state leaders unveiled the SSU BOLD initiative, a transformative campus modernization project that will redefine the university's infrastructure, sustainability, and academic landscape. The event drew prominent figures, including Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and Commissioner Adam Baacke of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), alongside other elected officials and community leaders.

    The SSU BOLD initiative is a culmination of a long-term campus master plan first introduced in 2019. The project encompasses the renovation of the vacant Horace Mann building, expansion of Meier Hall to house cutting-edge science lab facilities, and relocation of programs from South Campus to North Campus by fall 2027. This consolidation will enable the state's planned sale of the former while streamlining university operations into a unified, efficient footprint.

    The upgraded facilities will support critical academic programs in nursing, occupational therapy, biology, chemistry, and geological sciences, featuring flexible classroom designs and student-focused spaces. Gilbane Building Company, leading the project, is committed to fulfilling its mission by addressing long-term infrastructure needs and creating a more connected community.

    As part of the initiative's sustainability goals, Gilbane will install a geothermal wellfield beneath Meier Hall's faculty parking area, providing heating and cooling for new facilities while supporting improvements to the Berry Library. This innovative system, consisting of approximately 100 wells, lays the groundwork for connecting four additional North Campus buildings in a future phase.

    President John Keenan emphasized that SSU BOLD is not just about infrastructure; it's about transforming lives through modern, sustainable, and collaborative learning environments. The project's guiding principles – addressing deferred maintenance, creating state-of-the-art facilities, utilizing vacant spaces, and establishing an efficient campus – will shape the university's future.

    Scheduled for completion by summer 2027, SSU BOLD marks a new chapter in Salem State University's mission to serve future generations with modern, sustainable, and collaborative learning environments.