University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD

The proposed Research Park on the western edge of UMB's campus will serve a dual purpose. By integrating the campus and downtown Baltimore's west side to stabilize and stimulate a vibrant urban environment, a stronger connection will be made to the neighboring community and the West Side Renaissance. Additionally, flexible wet-lab research space, which is lacking in the Baltimore market, will be available for lease and for use by research departments within the University.

The primary site identified for expansion is just off the western edge of campus. The site was vacant land bordered by small-scale townhouses and business. The lot readily lends itself to design and construction with minimal disruption to neighboring businesses or residents.

The research complex will consist of six flexible research/office buildings totaling 700,000 gross square feet (gsf), two parking facilities for 1,350 vehicles and substantially upgraded pedestrian walkways, green spaces and shade trees. Each research facility will have the ability to house wet-lab spaces intermingled with office space. The mechanical, electrical and communication systems will be designed with flexibility to accommodate a variety of possible tenants. There is also the potential for renovation of existing vacant buildings on the south side of nearby major street for University use or additional space for lease.

The architecture of the entire complex will incorporate elements set forth in the Facilities Master Plan for the campus , also by Ayers/Saint/Gross, while responding to the scale and massing of the surrounding residential buildings. These aesthetic ideals, along with implementation of the typical campus streetscape, will reinforce the connection back to the University, with its similar building scale and tripartite division and configuration of open spaces.

The UMB Research Park will be a welcome development.It will bring a sense of street-level energy and vitality, create numerous local jobs, increase incoming revenue to the University and to the City and will help meet the local need for flexible research space.

Completion: 2003
Size: 8.6 acres Cost: N/A