Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building Construction
ILSB construction project begins May 1
This spring marks the beginning of the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building (ILSB) construction project, an important facility that will greatly expand the university's life sciences programs and teaching facilities. The project also provides an opportunity to update the areas surrounding the new building.
The ILSB will replace the existing Academic Services Building, adjacent to the Commons. The new, four-story facility will provide high-technology classrooms, seminar rooms, and flexible and adaptable research labs for undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral students. The surrounding areas to be updated include a new plaza with improved walkways and plantings, as well as renovations to the Quad, which will see added pathways and improved landscaping. The project is slated for completion by the summer of 2019.
We understand that construction projects of this magnitude impact the campus in many ways, including pedestrian pathways, vehicular routes, and parking, and we appreciate your patience and flexibility. As part of the planning process for the project, we have addressed accessible routes and features that may be affected by the construction. If people with disabilities experience any unforeseen accessibility-related complications as a result of this construction we ask that they contact the university's ADA Coordinator so that accessibility concerns can be addressed in a timely manner.
As project construction begins in early May 2017, several areas across campus will be directly impacted over the course of the summer. Specifically, those areas are:
The Quad
On May 1, we will be closing access to the Quad. Preparation for the foundation of the new building requires utility work, which will extend from the construction site to academic row. Fencing will be erected with signage directing pedestrian traffic around the construction area. Access to buildings in the area will remain open, however we recommend using alternate pathways outside of the Quad during the construction period. The Quad will remain closed for the first year of the project.
Commons Circle and Gated Lot 2 Parking
As part of the first phase of construction, crews will be developing a new drop-off circle adjacent to the Physics Building which will replace Commons Circle. This work will require closing a small section of Gated Lot 2. Upon completion of the new circle, scheduled for the end of the summer, it is estimated that 20 spaces will be displaced.
Access to Commons Circle will be restricted to deliveries and service vehicles only. In the interim, please consider using other drop-off locations on campus, such as the main campus entrance, the library, and Poplar Ave.
Commons Drive and Garage
Commons Drive and Garage will remain open throughout the entirety of the project with only minimal interruption. However, due to safety concerns and width limitations of the road, curbside parking on the north side of Commons Drive will be removed to allow for safe travel of construction equipment to the site. Approximately 20 parking spaces will be inaccessible for the duration of the project.
As we move forward with this important project, we encourage you to visit the ILSB project website and join our myUMBC group to receive news and updates and stay apprised of how construction on this project may impact you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Lenn Caron, Assistant Vice President, Facilities Management
Posted: May 1, 2017, 11:04 AM