Goodell Hall Renovation (2025)

Certified LEED v4 BD&C: Schools Gold

In 2025, Goodell Hall underwent a renovation project to create a unified one-stop shop for student services. The facility was originally designed and completed in 1935 by Morse, Dickinson, and Goodwin Associated Engineers and Architects as a second library to the Old Chapel collections. The West Addition was added in 1957 and also designed with a library program, later adapted to also house administrative functions. 

Situated at the heart of UMass Amherst’s campus, the newly renovated Goodell Hall serves as a central meeting point for student services, including academic advising and study areas. By completing the renovation, UMass has brought the space to the highest modern-day standards and fulfilled the promise made as a result of a 2016 student focus group to create a centralized space for student services.  The facility houses the Central Career Center; the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success, which includes identity and cultural centers; Disability Services; the Dean of Graduate Students; and Student Success Services. The redesign introduces a bright, user-friendly interior that enhances navigation and fosters a welcoming atmosphere. Furthermore, the project aligns with UMass Amherst’s decarbonization goals and demonstrates how historic building renovations can support sustainable practices.

Building Information

Address: 140 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003
Completed: Spring 2025
Size: 95,000 GSF
Designer / Architect: Goody Clancy
Structural: RSE Associates
Mechanical, Electrical, IT & Security: Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering 
Plumbing and Fire Protection: VAV International
Owner's Project Manager: 
UMass Project Manager: Cleve Carrens
UMass Project Planner: Jeff Dalzell

Sustainability

Resources

LEED Project Scorecard
LEED Project Dashboard
Self-Guided Building Tour

Integrative Process

• A collaborative design process addressed site energy and water performance from the start.
• Goodell’s design aligns with UMass Amherst's broader carbon reduction goals and climate action plan

Location and Transportation

• Situated in a walkable campus core with good access to public transit.
• Incorporated bicycle racks at the Hicks Way entrance to promote alternative transportation, as well as a shower for cyclists to wash off if needed.
• Retained and revitalized a central building within the campus to reduce development footprint.

Sustainable Sites

• Permeable paving integrated into the east and west patios helps manage stormwater runoff and reduce heat island.
• The site includes benches and seat walls made in part with local and salvaged stone to encourage outdoor social activity near the building entryways.
• Exterior lighting reduces light pollution with fixtures directing light only where needed.

Water Efficiency

• Improved landscaping requires no permanent irrigation through use of native and adapted landscaping, supporting long-term water conservation goals.
• Preserved existing trees on site through careful design and construction planning.
• Replaced the entire plumbing system and installed water-efficient fixtures to reduce potable water use by over 20%.
• Integrated water bottle fillers throughout the building to reduce disposable plastic waste.

Energy and Atmosphere

• Optimized energy performance resulting in over 25% energy savings when compared to an average building of similar size and use.
• Reused and upgraded key HVAC infrastructure: chillers, cooling towers, AHUs, duct risers, and pumps.
• Mechanical systems are integrated with campus utilities and support future electrification.

Materials and Resources

• Over 90% of construction and demolition waste was diverted from landfills through diligent waste separation.
• Retained extensive historic architectural features such as millwork, wooden doors, decorative panels, wood trim.
• Salvaged existing HVAC components including fan coil units and original duct risers that were reused both in the building and elsewhere on campus.

Indoor Environmental Quality

• Acoustic treatments integrated throughout, respecting privacy and supporting concentration.
• Natural light and views introduced throughout circulation paths and offices.
• Materials selected to be low-emitting, red-list free, and largely sourced locally.
• All work desks have access to individual lighting controls to enhance comfort and productivity.

Innovation

• Upgraded the original lighting system to energy-efficient, all-LED fixtures.
• Green Building Education is supported via a self-guided tour, and case study materials, which communicate the building's sustainability features.

Photo Gallery

North Facing Section
Lounge	Lounge

Images 1-4 courtesy of Goody Clancy.

Media

Articles

Goodell Hall Officially Reopens with Ribbon Cutting, Open House
University News - 4/24/2025

Goodell Building Renovation
UMBA - n.d.

Goodell Hall Renovation
Goody Clancy - n.d.