The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst is nationally recognized for its award‑winning campus dining program, consistently ranked among the best in the country. To maintain that standard while advancing goals outlined in the university’s capital project master plan, UMass elected to replace the existing Worcester Dining Commons with a new, state‑of‑the‑art facility. STV provided owner’s project management services for both the programming and schematic design study of the existing building, as well as the planning and oversight of the new dining commons.
The resulting 87,000‑square‑foot facility includes a retail food café, commercial bakery, student center and restaurant, while offering 800 seats in an open, flexible dining hall designed to enhance student experience. The building achieved LEED® Gold certification for extensive sustainability measures integrated throughout.
What challenges did STV address?
A key challenge during planning centered on maintaining full operation of the existing dining facility while constructing the new building directly adjacent to – and above – critical campus utilities. The project required relocating active steam lines serving a nearby research facility, without impacting service. The university also needed an efficient evaluation process to determine whether renovation, expansion, or full replacement would be the most cost‑effective path forward.
What solutions did STV deliver?
STV guided UMass through a detailed programming and design study that demonstrated the advantages of a complete facility replacement. As owner’s project manager, STV oversaw planning, stakeholder coordination, utility relocation strategies, design development, and schedule integration. The firm ensured seamless dining operations during construction and helped deliver a high-performance, LEED® Gold-certified building that aligns with long-term campus sustainability goals.
How does this project benefit the UMass Amherst community?
The new Worcester Dining Commons enhances campus life by expanding dining capacity, improving operational efficiency, and creating flexible spaces for studying, socializing, and student activities. Sustainability features, including advanced energy‑efficient systems and significant reductions in potable water use, lower environmental impact and reduce long‑term operating costs. The project supports UMass Amherst’s commitment to exceptional student experiences and environmentally responsible growth.
Key stats and accolades
- 87,000‑sf new dining commons
- 800‑seat capacity
- 42% reduction in potable water usage
- LEED® Gold certified
- Complex utility relocation completed with zero service disruption
