Framingham State Gets $6.6 Million For Linsley Hall Conversion Project

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A hefty chunk of funding is set to expand housing on a Massachusetts college campus.

An underutilized residence hall on the edge of Framingham State University’s campus near Route 9 is set to be converted into low-cost academic housing, officials said. The project is funded thanks to a $6.6 million allocation to FSU from the state's Fair Share funding.

Officials said the money will be used to convert Linsley Hall, a residence hall that is no longer in use during the academic year, into 32 apartments available to Framingham State faculty, staff and graduate students.

There's an additional possibility that outside educational organizations who have expressed interest, including The Learning Center for the Deaf and Framingham Public Schools, could also utilize the space.

The $6.6 million will first be used to remodel Linsley Hall into six two-bedroom apartments, six three-bedroom apartments, and 20 studio apartments, which will be available for both long-term and short-term leases.

“Many new faculty and other employees who are transitioning to this area need a temporary place to stay as they look for housing,” said FSU President Nancy S. Niemi. “This project will allow us to offer them access to newly renovated apartments, available at under-market prices.”

Finally, because Linsley Hall was the only residence hall at FSU with air conditioning, the money will also cover the cost to install AC at Larned Hall so that FSU can continue to house a number of students on campus during the summer months, officials said.

The estimated timeline for the project calls for construction to begin in winter 2026, with the goal of having the building occupied by Spring 2027.