In spring of 2019, Boston Latin School’s neighboring Simmons University announced their three-phase project to merge their two campuses to enhance their students’ learning experience. For now, the Park Science Building next to BLS has been demolished and progress on Simmons residential areas will begin this winter.

Developed by a women-led team, the One Simmons Project oversees updates to academic buildings and general living areas. This large project at Simmons will involve the construction of a new Living and Learning Center, as well as new science facilities to meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

There have been renovations to include several common kitchens for students to allow for greater flexibility with allergens and time constraints. The new facilities will ensure the comfort of students and faculty within the residence halls.

Phases one and two, which included modernizing facilities for more efficient use of space, have been completed. The final phase, which includes the enhancement of outdoor spaces and seating areas, is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2026.

The Student Affairs team at Simmons hope to use the new spaces for student community events, as well as other experiences to increase connections among the school community. Such areas include a green roof deck as a quiet contemplation space — something that would otherwise be a challenge for students to access on the bustling university campus.

Many of the changes also took a toll on the surrounding area. BLS students have commented on the harsh construction noises and visible shaking caused by the demolition of the Park Science Building. “[There has been] an increase in students paying more attention to the process of the demolition during classes,” notes Jocelyn Green (V).

These distractions may temporarily impact BLS students’ ability to concentrate on their studies and exams. This is especially true in the music wing, where several other students reported shaking as the neighboring building was collapsing.

Alongside several noise complaints, Assistant Head of School and Transportation Lead Jaffrie Perrotti notes another impact, namely “the increased traffic and congestion on the Avenue before and after school.” Both yellow school buses and supplemental buses provided by the MBTA have shown higher rates of delay since construction for the project initially began. As a result, students may face longer transportation itineraries, both to and from school.

Simmons has placed scaffolding along the sidewalk to allow pedestrians through, though this has forced buses and cars to double-park along the Avenue. Traffic conditions will likely not improve until construction company Skanska has finished its work on the Park Science Building.

Laura Brink Pisinski, Vice President of University Real Estate Development and Facilities Management, is the leader of the project. When asked about the concerns surrounding One Simmons, she comments, “Through the permitting process, we responded to various comments related to shadows, wind and architectural suitability in the neighborhood. We responded to all of these concerns and were tremendously thoughtful and careful in our design.”