The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has commenced construction on its latest addition, a $120 million building destined to be the new center for its School of Social Work. Standing on Lexington Street at the corner of Greene Street, this structure will span six stories and cover 127,000 square feet of space. With plans to become the initial net-zero emissions building in downtown Baltimore, the building embodies a bold stride towards sustainability within the University System of Maryland, as reported by WMAR-2 News.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place yesterday, indicates a substantial plan to unify the Master of Social Work and Doctor of Philosophy programs, currently scattered across three separate sites. The new building's features include geothermal wells, solar panels, and a green roof, aiming to set a new benchmark for energy efficiency on UMB's campus. A statement cited by WMAR-2 News from Judy Postmus, Dean of the School of Social Work, highlights the anticipated role of the new complex: "it will be a vibrant community hub where students, faculty, and local partners come together."
Located amidst a hub of future construction projects slated for UMB's northern campus, the initiative will also enhance the area with additional housing, commercial stores, and dedicated research spaces. The Baltimore Fishbowl reported that UMB President Bruce Jarrell indicated the establishment would "align with and bolster" efforts to revitalize downtown's west side. It will also provide an opportunity for local engagement and potentially synergistic interactions with the Maryland Department of Health's forthcoming new location.
Jarrell echoed ongoing efforts to enhance UMB's community and environmental footprint, telling Baltimore Fishbowl that the new structure "reflects UMB’s deep commitment to our core values of Well-Being and Sustainability." With an expected opening date of the summer of 2027, the new School of Social Work building is envisioned as more than an educational facility.
