In 1988, the Dion Science and Engineering Building was opened, as was the Cedar Dell Townhouse Complex.Also in 1988, the Swain School of Design in New Bedford merged with the university’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, strengthening programs in art and artisanry. The Swain merger brought additional art facilities in New Bedford to the university.In 1994, UMass Dartmouth received approval to offer its first PhD degree, in Electrical Engineering, and began to offer a number of joint doctoral programs with other UMass campuses.In 1997, construction was completed for the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST), located on 2.6 acres in New Bedford near Buzzards Bay. A full program of research and development is now supported in this new facility.Beginning in 1997, student/faculty teams began to engage in landscaping beautification projects across campus.In 2001, the university opened the Star Store campus in downtown New Bedford, a structure transformed from a landmark department store into a vibrant arts center located in the city’s historic district.