Henry Adams provided the MEP engineering design for the UMBC Chesapeake Hall interior renovations and elevator addition. The University of Maryland Baltimore County engaged Henry Adams to complete the renovation of the 83,000 SF, 1970s vintage residence hall to better serve their students. The project included the provision of a new elevator to access each floor and courtyard; bathroom upgrades; residential room modifications to improve access; renovation of the main lobby, student lounges, laundry rooms, and bathrooms as well as modifications to the security desk; new interior building signage; incorporate Building Information Management System; and the creation of a new office and new bathroom.

All bathrooms in the building were completely renovated, replacing original fixtures and finishes with new materials. Needed changes to the bathrooms were also made to ensure that the spaces were fully accessible as required by building code. On the ground level, one area of a wing that served as flex space was converted to residence hall rooms to increase the capacity of the building.

An elevator was also added to the building, providing full access to all levels of the north and south wings. The elevator installation also enabled the creation of a horizontal connection between the two wings at each level, rather than restricting the connection to just the ground level and basement.

At the basement level, an underutilized service area was converted to a Mechanical Maintenance Suite, creating a home base for student staff in work-study positions.

The bulk of the renovation work was completed over a three-month summer break for the students, which enabled occupation of the building in the fall.

The mechanical scope included providing seven new dorm rooms with individual vertical fan coil units to match the units in the other dorm rooms;  a new dryer exhaust system for the laundry room; and, converting the entire south wing of the building on the ground floor to HVAC, plumbing, electrical, paint and lock shops.

HVAC systems were installed to service the new additions, including a new rooftop air handling unit for the shops. A dust collector system was also installed for use in some of the shops and included exhausting band saws, table saws, grinder and paint hoods.

The electrical scope included power, lighting, communication, and electronic safety and security.

The project design included a connection to an existing 350kW generator; provisions for a new elevator to access each floor and courtyard, bathroom upgrades; residential room modifications to improve access; renovation of the main lobby and student lounges, modifications to the security desk, replacement of door frames and locks; and, new interior building signage.

Additional Information:

Location	Baltimore, MD
Construction Value	$4,200,000
Owner	University of Maryland Baltimore County
Architect	Hord Coplan Macht

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