Project Update
We have reached an exciting time for the Sherman Hall Renovation Project. Please read below 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.
Phase 1 and 2 Moving Plans
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.
Sidewalk Access
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.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to (jzahor@umbc.edu) or project manager Stacy Brian (sbrian@umbc.edu).
Project Details
This renewal project will fully renovate all aspects of Sherman Hall to meet the needs of the university for the next 30 or more years. Sherman Hall houses more than a dozen departments, classrooms and a lecture hall. The scope of work includes:
- Replacing the building envelope with a modern, high-performance enclosure to create an energy efficient building in accordance with UMBC’s Climate Action Plan
- Replacing and upgrading the Mechanical, Electrical and Life-safety systems to meet or exceed current building and energy codes.
- Replacing and upgrading the technology components
- Upgrading the accessibility, elevators and security
- Upgrading the furniture and finishes throughout to improve the experience of all users with improved acoustics, daylighting, views and spatial reconfigurations.
Rendering of Sherman Hall as viewed from Math/Psych
Sherman Hall was built in 1980 and is comprised of over 120,000 GSF. The brick building is broken down into 2 wings and a connecting link on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The 3-year construction period will be divided into 2 phases the first of which begins in the west wing and link from Summer 2023 through the Summer of 2025. Immediately following Phase 1, the east wing (Phase 2) will be renovated and is planned to be completed in Summer of 2026.
Sherman Hall’s new front entrance – opposite the University Center
The wayfinding in Sherman Hall has always been complicated and this project will work to simply the organization with proper signage and connectivity within the building. By extending the link down to enclose the breezeway at level 1, we will be creating a front door for Sherman Hall. This addition will house the lobby of the building with student lounge and study spaces.
Link lobby addition with student lounge and study spaces
We will improve the student experience by creating lounge and lobby spaces throughout the lower levels of Sherman Hall. Students can gather to collaborate, find a quiet place to study or have a place to queue before classes.
Student lounge, study and waiting area between classes.
Sherman Hall’s lecture hall will be upgraded with new seating, new finishes, new lighting and new AV technology.
Sherman Hall’s courtyard will also be renovated. The new ramps and stairs in the courtyard will provide gathering places and outdoor classroom opportunities at each tier.
