The Commons
This project is a change to the 1990 Facilities Master Plan, which recommended
splitting the functions of the University Center and creating two activity
areas, one closer to the housing area. The project name was Community Services.
In 1993, the University conducted a study on the appropriateness of a split
center and determined that was not cost effective or desired by the community.
Consequently, and as a part of that study, a new site location was selected. Gym
I which was slated for Administrative functions with an addition to the north
side was determined to be the center of campus and the best location for student
functional needs. In 1997, UMBC solicited and contracted with Legg Mason, to
determine the necessary steps to successfully obtain private funding for half
the project budget. They determined that private funding would not be feasible.
The Maryland Stadium Authority was contracted to act as UMBC's agent for
procuring, managing, and completing the project. Design Collective, Inc. of
Baltimore joint ventured with Perry Dean Rogers & Partners of Boston to
provide programming and design services. Barton Marlow of Baltimore provided
construction management. The project was completed February 2002. When the new
Commons is completed the existing University Center
will be converted to other uses.
"The Commons" includes a food court, general lounges, bookstore, meeting
space, student recreation center, student organization offices, administrative
offices, and other retail type spaces. Exact details of the amount and types of
spaces are summarized in the table below. Additional details are being worked
out as the process moves forward. Site work associated with this project which
may be impacted includes the "Quad," and some of the library "Lawn" area.
In an effort to be aware of the environment we recycled various construction marerials during the demilition of the old Gym 1 building. The salvaged includes
sheet metal, metal studs, brick, block, concrete, steel columns, steel beams,
rebar reinforcements, and various types of mechanical and electrical
piping. In addition within the new building we are using recycled carpet
products, cork flooring, wood basework, environmentally friendly HVAC, and Low E
glass in all of the windows. this building should receive a LEED Green Building
Certification.
