Construction begins on dorm; more vibrant campus foreseen.

Byline: Matthew Bruun

FITCHBURG - Fitchburg State College is expanding its footprint in the city.

State and local officials yesterday celebrated the start of construction on a new $12 million dormitory that will push the school closer to its goal of providing on-campus housing for 50 percent of its students.

At the same time, the college is buying additional properties around the campus for use as parking and office space, and this fall will take over storefront space in the Transportation Center on Main Street for use as a professional training facility.

"That really demonstrates our commitment to downtown," college President Robert V. Antonucci said.

The center of attention yesterday was the ceremonial groundbreaking for a new 127-bed dormitory in the residential area known as Mara Village, which already spans seven buildings. The dorms are named for former longtime college President Vincent J. Mara.

About 1,550 of the college's 3,800 students live on campus now, at Mara Village and other dormitory space on the campus.

Peter Alcock, chairman of the college board of trustees, said the new building will bring the college closer to a goal of having 50 percent of the student body living on campus.

"We're at about 44 percent undergraduate residency right now," Mr. Alcock said. "More students on campus provide more vibrancy on a campus."

The new dormitory is expected to be open in the fall of 2009.

"It's another indication the campus is on the move," Mr. Antonucci told a crowd of students, college trustees and guests.

John Mara, son of the former president, said he and his siblings appreciated that the college where their father spent 19 years was continuing to move forward. He said his father would appreciate having his name on a building that serves students at all times.

Maria Villena, president of the Student Government Association, lived in one of the Mara Village buildings for three years. She is graduating in May. She said she appreciated seeing the school that is about to become her alma mater was continuing to expand.

Eric Mayhew, the student member of the college board of trustees, said the new dormitory has symbolic value.

Mayor Lisa A. Wong told the assembled students she appreciated their decision to study in Fitchburg and encouraged them to stay in the region when they finish their studies.

"Fitchburg is a great place to live, work, play and to learn," Ms. Wong said.

ART: PHOTO; MAP

CUTLINE: (PHOTO) Colantonio General Contractors is building a dormitory at Fitchburg State College, including a soil nail retaining wall. (MAP) New dorms

PHOTOG: (PHOTO) T&G Staff/RICK CINCLAIR (MAP) T&G Staff/STACEY ARSENAULT