Updates on Sherman Hall Renovation Project

Dear UMBC Community,

We have reached an exciting time for the Sherman Hall Renovation Project, so I am writing to share updates about progress related to Phase 1 and information about upcoming logistical changes related to work on Phase 2. You may find this map helpful in better understanding the details below.

The first phase of renovations—constituting the “A Wing” of the building, closest to the ITE Building, and the area connecting the two wings—is nearing completion. We hope to move occupants into the newly renovated spaces this September. Moves will begin this summer as we work toward vacating for Phase 2 “B Wing” by early October. We will be communicating with these groups directly to share further information about timelines.

In anticipation of this, we have already begun working on the exterior of Phase 2. To perform the work replacing the facade on this side, it will be necessary to close the sidewalk between the Sherman and Sondheim buildings from October 2025 to January 2027. This is the sidewalk referred to as "Academic Row" or "196" (its average elevation above sea level). Blocking this pathway will keep pedestrians safe from the construction activities during Phase 2 renovations. The contractor will also be protecting the tall oak trees (considered "legacy trees" because of their longevity with our campus community). We will be asking pedestrians to go around the side of Sondheim closest to the RAC, and an accessible route will be set up through Sondheim starting in the fall. More details about routes will be provided closer to the beginning of the fall semester.

Over the summer while the campus population is low, the contractor will begin installing fencing and gates between Sherman and Sondheim that will eventually close this sidewalk. We expect this work to start in mid-July and be completed prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Temporary partial closures may be expected around the work areas to install the fence posts. Please use caution in the area during these sporadic events. Once the fencing and gates are installed, the gates will remain open, and access will continue for the duration of this summer.

In the fall, as faculty and staff are transferred into the newly renovated portions of Sherman Hall and out of Sherman's B Wing, access to Academic Row will be closed. At the same time, the contractor will also be removing the barricades and opening pedestrian paths on the Phase 1 side closest to ITE and the Engineering Building. The stairs behind the Administration Building that lead to ITE will remain closed during Phase 2 to keep pedestrians safely away from construction vehicles.

Thank you all for your patience and cooperation thus far. In particular, we would like to thank the occupants of Sherman Hall. You have supported the project and each other in many ways including sharing space and other resources. Your support has helped make the project successful thus far.

More information will be presented in August regarding the planned closure of Academic Row, including logistics plans for alternate routes for pedestrians and vehicles during construction. For the latest information, please go to the Facilities Management website. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me (jzahor@umbc.edu) or project manager Stacy Brian (sbrian@umbc.edu).

Sincerely,