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UMass-Lowell celebrates opening of new dorm

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — UMass-Lowell is celebrating the opening of its newest dormitory.

A special ceremony is planned for Thursday to mark the opening of University Suites, a multi-purpose building that already houses nearly 500 students and includes a cafe, frozen yogurt shop and a Starbucks.

The $54 million dorm includes 88 four- and six-bed suites that feature living rooms and kitchenettes; eight common lounge areas with full kitchens; and Wi-Fi and other technology throughout the building.

The dorm fulfills a critical need for new housing at the university. Enrollment at UMass Lowell has grown 40 percent since 2007 and approximately 4,000 students live in university housing this fall.

Chancellor Marty Meehan and Richard Freeland, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, are among those scheduled to attend.