While much of campus slows down during summer, Facilities Management (FM) shifts into overdrive. With quieter streets and empty classrooms, crews take on projects that range from routine repairs to major upgrades—work that sustains the university all year long. Planning begins as early as winter, and once Commencement wraps, teams move quickly to make the most of the short summer window. From fresh paint and lighting improvements to ADA compliance and large-scale renovations, FM’s efforts touch nearly every corner of campus life.
Brighter Nights on McKeldin Mall
This summer, FM brought long-awaited lighting improvements to one of the university’s most iconic spaces. The eight towering poles that line McKeldin Mall, once equipped with outdated, high-wattage fixtures, mostly hidden by tree canopy, were replaced with modern LED lighting that delivers more light with less energy.
The result? Lighting levels along the sidewalks jumped from a dim 0.03 to an average of 2 foot-candles, dramatically improving nighttime visibility for students, faculty, and visitors. And thanks to carefully redesigned fixture placement, the new lights now shine freely beneath the trees rather than into them.
Just as important, the new system uses 40% less energy, replacing 20,000 watts of old metal halide lighting with just 11,680 watts of efficient LED power. The McKeldin Mall upgrade is a striking example of FM’s commitment to sustainability and safety, showing how thoughtful design can light the way without leaving a heavy footprint.
Restoring the ODK Fountain
Just steps away, crews also restored the iconic ODK Fountain. FM replaced hundreds of missing tiles, and worn areas were resurfaced to bring back the original luster. But the work wasn’t just cosmetic; the fountain’s plumbing also received much-needed repairs after years of wear and tear (and the occasional bubbly prank from celebrating students). When the campus comes back to life this fall, the fountain will be flowing beautifully once again.
Complete Streets: Alumni Drive Reimagined
With student safety and campus connectivity top of mind, FM continued work on a major redesign of Alumni Drive – a high-impact project that supports the university’s “Complete Streets” vision, as outlined in the Campus Facilities Plan.
Alumni Drive from Stadium Drive to Mowatt Circle is getting dedicated bike lanes, pedestrian sidewalks, and improved traffic flow as part of a broader effort to improve connections between the north and south residential communities and the central academic core. Completing major construction during the summer minimizes disruptions.
On the roads, a critical safety element is accurate and visible lane markings. FM freshened roadway paint, including crosswalks, stop bars, fire lanes, directional arrows, bike lane symbols, and center lines across campus. At Campus Drive and Regent Drive, Purple Line construction required all-new lane markings, and a new traffic signal now helps guide vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians through the busy intersection.
Renovating Campus Learning Spaces: 24 Classrooms Renewed
Beyond the roads and walkways, FM also focused on the academic core, ensuring classrooms were refreshed and ready for fall. FM teams went to work immediately after Commencement in late May to renovate 24 classrooms in the Computer Sciences, Plant Sciences, Architecture, and Bioscience Research buildings. Renovation included electrical work, more efficient lighting, new ceilings, paint, and flooring, all to maintain surroundings that enhance the student experience.
The summer push may be intense, but it ensures the university community returns each fall to a campus that is safe, functional, and ready to inspire. Each project—whether a renovated classroom or a refreshed crosswalk—contributes to an environment where students and faculty can thrive.