Numerous construction projects on campus will be either completed by next semester or will continue on schedule into the spring.
Residence halls Richmond and Newell, as well as a new neighboring plaza, should be completed for the spring 2013 semester, according to Director of Facilities Management Scott Guckert.

Renovations to Ward and West Halls should begin next semester, Guckert said, in addition to the construction of a bridge over Osler Drive, so students can avoid crossing the Osler intersection.

The Osler Bridge project is still in design, and utility work will begin on the pedestrian bridge by February 2013. A new intersection at Emerson Drive will begin the following month and then the bridge will begin construction late spring, making it safer for students to cross busy roads.

Freshman Chris Giorgio thinks the construction is good for campus and hopes that everything will be better than before.
“It’s annoying now but people aren’t going to say it is once everything’s fixed,” Giorgio said. “I want to see the new halls when they’re finished.” Included in the Ward and West Halls renovation is a path that will allow workers access to renovated halls, Guckert said, and contractors are installing new chilled water lines into the halls.

Freshman Robert Tai said the construction can be annoying at times because students have to find an alternate route. As a West Village resident, Tai said he is most excited for the construction of Osler bridge.

“It’s a short-term annoyance but a long-term benefit,” he said. “Future classes will have it easier.”

Tiger Arena is currently under construction behind Johnny Unitas Stadium. When it is completed, it will be home to Towson basketball, gymnastics and volleyball. The Towson Center currently holds these sports teams.

“Towson Center will remain open after the construction of Tiger Arena,” Guckert said. “There are no immediate plans for any deconstruction of the Towson Center.”

Guckert could not be reached for comment about the status of Linthicum Hall.