Learn more about the projects across campus that include the Central Electric Substation, a new School of Social Work building, and a Dental Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Maryland’s 664th legislative session of the General Assembly took place from Jan. 10 through April 8, 2024. During this session, several capital projects at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) received additional funding in support of the University’s mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good of Maryland and society at-large.
Capital projects can include new construction, major renovations, infrastructure improvements, and facilities maintenance over $100,000 that demonstrate a need for a specific type of space or compelling deferred maintenance. Most of UMB’s capital projects are funded through the state’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) using a combination of bonds, state general funding, and UMB funding. Three of the projects that received additional funding are highlighted below.
Central Electric Substation
The equipment in UMB’s current master electrical substation is about 60 years old and approaching the limits of its capacity. Recognizing UMB’s growth, this upgrade of the University’s electrical distribution system will provide reliability and help UMB meet today’s demands while building in additional capacity for the future. Particularly with expected future building electrification to help UMB meet its carbon neutrality goal, this increased electrical capacity will help UMB in its transition away from fossil fuel-run building systems toward an electrified vehicle fleet. This project includes construction of the North Station at the UMB Recycling Center, duct bank construction and feeder connections across campus, and the construction of the South Station behind the Health Sciences and Human Services Library.
New School of Social Work Building
The new six-story School of Social Work building composed of offices, classrooms, and communal gathering spaces will bring the School of Social Work, currently housed in six locations, under one roof. The new building will replace the current facilities, which contain failing mechanical and plumbing systems, while addressing an existing space deficit that currently requires UMB to lease space off campus. The building will be located at the intersection of North Greene and West Lexington streets, an ideal location on UMB’s campus to enhance the School of Social Work’s mission of innovation in community service.
Dental Ambulatory Surgery Center
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry is constructing a new dental ambulatory surgery center in downtown Baltimore to alleviate the long wait times for patients who need medical care. This project will help to address a shortage of dental ambulatory surgery space, which often results in emergency dental care occurring in hospital operating rooms that are not adequately equipped to treat dental patients. The new center is expected to reduce wait times for children and adults as well as mitigate oral health disparities and inequities that persist among children and adults requiring the administration of sedation or anesthesia for dental care.
To see all state agency projects that received funding in the Fiscal Year 2025 capital budget, visit the Department of Budget and Management website.