Opened in August of 2011, Fariborz Maseeh Hall accommodates 460 students and adds a vibrant undergraduate living and learning community to MIT’s residential options. The renovated facility includes the new state-of-the-art Howard Dining Hall, a gorgeous space that encourages informal interactions, provides a full meal plan for residents, and offers dining for other members of the larger MIT community. This pleasant gathering place is strategically located near the geographic center of campus.

Originally built in 1901 as Riverbank Court, the building began life as a hotel with apartments. Purchased in the late 1930’s by MIT and converted into a graduate residence hall, the building was later named Ashdown House in honor of its first and long-time housemaster, Avery Ashdown. Its recent extensive renovation was made possible in part by a generous donation from alumnus Fariborz Maseeh ScD ’90. In recognition of his gift, MIT renamed the undergraduate residence hall in his honor. Maseeh Hall added capacity that enabled MIT to restore its undergraduate student population to about 4,500 students.

The renewed and renovated building – which received LEED Gold certification – supports the Institute’s environmental goals and contains many sustainable features. These include heat recovery methods in the HVAC system, energy efficient lighting, and sustainable finish materials. The construction waste management plan resulted in 93% of waste being recycled and diverted from landfills. The project earned preservation awards from the Cambridge Historic Commission, as well as The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)/AIA-CAE.