Photo by Dylan Singleton
Thousands of Terps flocking to campus this fall have been greeted with a unique way to “ring” in the new academic year.
An eye-and ear-catching art exhibit now leads the way to Thurgood Marshall Hall, with five 12-foot-tall red rings circling the sidewalk at the Do Good Plaza entrance. As pedestrians walk through them, sensors activate speakers that play inspiring quotes from UMD students, faculty, staff and alums.
The live art display, which will be dedicated in October, will be frequently refreshed, also featuring lights and playing seasonal soundscapes of Maryland wildlife, celebratory songs during Commencement week and more.
Beyond the rings, Terps strolling to class or work are bound to see signs stretched across fences promoting the “future home of something fearless.” In addition to construction for the state’s light-rail Purple Line—with major projects set to wrap up in the campus core this fall—several new spaces for study, sports, living and learning are making progress:
Stanley R. Zupnik Hall
The concrete structure of the new A. James Clark School of Engineering building is expected to be completed this fall, with the facility slated to open in 2026. Located across from the E.A. Fernandez IDEA Factory and named for benefactor Stanley R. Zupnik ’59, it will feature specialized labs, a seminar classroom, and conference and meeting space. Multiple disciplines and organizations will collaborate there, including the Civil and Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering departments, the Quantum Technology Center, and identity-based student groups like the Black Engineers Society.
Graduate Student Housing
With demolition of the Old Leonardtown apartments complete, crews are relocating underground utilities for a new residential development for UMD’s grad students. Construction on the new building, with a total of 741 beds, is expected to begin by early next month.
Chemistry Building
The 105,000-square-foot facility was dedicated in the spring, and occupants from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have since moved in. The building includes 34 advanced labs, two shared research spaces and 13,000 square feet of collaboration space, and is expected to achieve LEED Silver certification for environmentally-friendly construction. It will serve as a hub for quantum chemistry, sustainability research and molecular nanoscience.
Cole Field House Cultural Centers
Renovations began in Cole Field House last winter to make way for five cultural centers, serving students who are members of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American, disabled, Latinx, multiracial, and Native and Indigenous communities. Interior demolition on all three floors is nearly complete and will be followed by the installation of energy-efficient windows and a new HVAC system. Work will continue into the spring.
Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center
Terps passing the Xfinity Center will see the new practice facility for the men’s and women’s basketball teams taking shape. Concrete has been poured, steel framing has gone up and exterior walls are being installed on the 44,000-square-foot building, which will feature a practice court, strength and conditioning areas, expanded locker rooms, and lounge and office space.
Baseball and Softball Practice Facilities
After groundbreaking ceremonies for each project last spring, crews stepped up to the plate, focusing first on installing the concrete structure for the Stanley Bobb Baseball Player Development Center. New sidewalks along Stadium Drive, a temporary walking path and a crossing to Yahentamitsi Dining Hall across the street from the construction site will help limit disruptions to pedestrians. Work on the Softball Player Development Center will begin once final permits are received, and both facilities will include sports analytics technology and climate-controlled training space for pitchers and hitters.
Shoemaker Building
To accommodate an increase in staffing and services, new private offices for Counseling Center staff are expected to be completed and ready for use early next month.
-from Maryland Today by Annie Krakower
August 28, 2024