UMUC, Leroy Merritt Center
The Leroy Merritt Center for the Art of Joseph Sheppard is a 5,500 GSF addition to the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Inn and Conference Center. The new center includes a painting gallery, indoor and outdoor sculpture gardens, a study center with library, and a spacious reception area.
The mechanical systems include an air-cooled chiller that supplies chilled water to an air handling system. The system provides both the temperature and humidity controls necessary to house and preserve the various works of art. The hot water heating system is generated from the existing steam system in the existing building. Each space has its own individual room temperature control and critical areas also include individual humidity control during the heating season. The unique style of the architecture (octagon-shaped spaces) presented a challenge and opportunity to distribute ductwork in a non-intrusive way.
The entire center is protected by a sprinkler system. Areas housing paintings are protected by a double-interlock pre-action sprinkler system to provide protection against accidental water discharge. The pre-action system requires both the activation of a detection system and the opening of a sprinkler head before the sprinkler system will discharge.
The electrical systems include lighting and associated control systems, fire alarm, and power distribution.
Lighting systems for the gallery and sculpture gardens consist of fiber optic lighting, track lighting, display case lighting, sculpture pedestal lighting, and landscape lighting. An automatic lighting control system provides dimming control as well as automatic control by time clock and photocell.
The fire alarm system includes addressable manual and automatic initiating devices, sprinkler system monitoring, pre-action sprinkler system interfaces, and interfaces with the security access system.
Additional Information:
| Location | Adelphi, MD |
| Construction Value | $3,900,000 |
| Owner | University of Maryland University College |
| Architect | James R. Grieves Associates Inc. |