New Vassar Street Residence (W46), 189 Vassar Street

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Description: As part of its mission to enhance the student experience, MIT is constructing a new undergraduate residence hall on the site of the West Garage parking facility (W45). The residence hall’s design (influenced by the Architectural Principles Document developed by a team of MIT students, faculty heads of house, and staff) includes rooms arranged in “clusters” of 35-38 students in a mix of singles and doubles with shared community spaces such as lounges and study rooms. Throughout the building, stairways have been located and designed to encourage communication and travel between the clusters. Residents will also enjoy larger shared community spaces such as study lounges, music rooms, a private courtyard, and other flexible spaces. A dining facility on the first floor, open to the community, will include a kitchen area where students will have the opportunity to cook for themselves. Outside the building, a tree-filled entry courtyard and a plaza area will provide green space, inviting benches, and gathering opportunities. In addition to enhancing the student life experience at MIT, the new residence will provide MIT with flexibility and capacity as it continues with its comprehensive renewal of campus housing.

Scope of Work: For this project Fenagh provided onsite testing & inspections of rebar concrete, epoxy dowel, and welding, as well as laboratory testing of concrete. Learn more about Fenagh’s services here.