Affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Amherst Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, the Cranberry Station in East Wareham is engaged in cutting-edge research and outreach to promote best practices among the commonwealth’s cranberry industry. The 1960s complex consists of a 10,500 sf Lab Building, adjacent 4,300 sf Administration Building, and surrounding cranberry bogs. Program development goals include supporting field pesticide and integrated pest management research, expanding lab capacity for additional researchers—especially Agricultural Engineers investigating various water treatment and delivery technologies.

MDS was initially engaged by UMass Amherst and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) to perform a programming, planning and feasibility study for renovations and additions to the 1960s complex. Improvements will provide systems and equipment upgrades and new and expanded engineering and experimental biology facilities. Upon completion of the certifiable study, MDS was retained to perform full design and construction administration services for the renovation and expansion.

To better accommodate projected program evolution and staff expansion, this project creates a new 5,500 sf building will house administration, faculty offices, and new meeting rooms that overlook the bog. Renovation of the existing Lab Building will create new lab facilities, and modernize the station’s aging infrastructure, including heating system, internet service and waste water treatment and disposal. The roof of the Administrative Building will also be replaced as part of this project. Currently under construction, the project is tracking an August 2022 opening.

The following video produced by University of Massachusetts Amherst illuminates the mission behind the Cranberry Research Station Expansion: