North Shore Community College McGee Building Expansion

Project Details

Project Description

Shepley Bulfinch worked closely with North Shore Community College (NSCC) in Lynn, Massachusetts to design the three-story, 39,000 SF addition to the McGee building and ensure the new facility effectively supports the college’s urban education and workforce development program. Fulfilling an important design goal for the college, the building features a striking curved façade and dramatic plaza that enlivens its downtown Lynn location and offers a welcoming place to engage students, their families, and the greater Lynn community.

Located at 300 Broad Street, the new addition and entry plaza will create the southeast anchor to the municipal Market Street redevelopment plan. The curved façade, which defines the new entry plaza, is lined with large windows set into light-colored concrete panels. The new design covers the old McGee entry façade and in so doing, creates an entirely new face to the City of Lynn. The matching brick exterior recreates the image of the old building, while the transparent entry hall bids further exploration and provides ample space for extended family members to support students as they embark on their journey. The buildings are seamlessly connected on all levels, allowing for comfortable movement between the two.

The two-wing McGee addition provides much needed classroom space, offices, and student services for the growing student body in this culturally-diverse, urban community. On the first floor, a centralized Student Success Center consolidates the offices of admissions, financial aid, academic assistance, and career services, providing a convenient “one-stop shop” of resources for students, many of whom are the first of their families to attend college. Visible from the plaza, the Student Success Center signals the ready availability of a full range of support staff and services, with open, flex seating and computer stations.

The second floor includes a new testing center, built-in study and collaboration areas and a large two-story informal seating area. The third floor encompasses an executive suite and a large conference room with long distance learning capabilities which will be used by the school and also shared with the community. The third floor also boasts a long study counter extending over the double-height entry hall and overlooking the plaza beyond. Ten new classrooms span all three floors.

Color was an important design consideration for the interiors, and a sophisticated, neutral palette was chosen to complement the wash of natural light. Bright blue walls, visible from the plaza outside, beckon students into the new Student Success Center. Three bold tones of blue define each floor and give classroom portals as well as stairways a pop of color. Red accents on the exterior windows help define the elegant curve of the building and modern façade.