Edited from a New England Council report

“The University of Massachusetts at Lowell will begin construction next year on an $800 million mixed-use project that will include professional space for technology companies, housing units, and dorms on campus. According to the Boston Business Journal, the school views this upcoming project as a ‘catalyst to improve industry partnerships, improve the surrounding neighborhood, and help keep new graduates in the city.’

“The project will begin with the construction of a series of buildings for STEM purposes, along with almost 500 housing units for young professionals. However, this is not the only new addition to the UMass Lowell campus. Also on this list of recent projects is a new campus center, a business school building, and a series of residential buildings. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

“It’s an economic development project for Lowell and the greater Lowell region,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor, Julie Chen.’’

Lowell first made its name as a textile-manufacturing center in the 19th Century.