University of Maryland, College Park

Denton, Easton, Elkton Residence Halls

Modernizing iconic residence halls for today’s students

At the University of Maryland, College Park, the renovation of Denton, Easton, and Elkton Residence Halls modernized three eight-story, traditional residence halls—each approximately 115,000 gross square feet and home to about 550 students—to improve comfort, reliability, and building performance while preserving housing capacity. The coeducational halls feature a mix of single, double, triple, and quad rooms with shared community bathrooms on each floor.

Comprehensive Systems Modernization

The project included demolishing the original heating systems and installing new two-pipe fan coil unit (FCU) systems with associated piping, electrical, and controls, bringing air conditioning to the buildings for the first time. Mechanical upgrades also included replacing heating, cooling, and plumbing equipment rooms, installing new building automation systems, and updating electrical infrastructure with new risers, panels, convenience outlets, and dedicated circuits.

Window replacements above the first floor, added insulation and exterior wall framing, and new data and telecommunications systems further enhanced energy performance and connectivity for residents.

High-Performance Infrastructure Enhancements

New systems were designed to optimize performance and maintainability, including zoned FCUs by exposure, vertical distribution risers with reverse-return piping, chilled water heat exchangers served by a satellite plant, and heating water heat exchangers connected to district steam. Additional upgrades included steam-fired domestic water heaters, domestic water booster systems, and natural ventilation strategies for most spaces.

Phased Renovation Without Disrupting Housing

Each fast-tracked renovation was carefully phased and constructed over multiple summer periods, allowing the residence halls to remain fully occupied during the academic year and avoiding the loss of student beds while delivering significant infrastructure improvements.

 

Consulting Services
  • HVAC Systems
  • Plumbing Systems
Architect

Design Collective, Inc.

Client History
  1. 2022

    Replace Underground Steam Piping

  2. 2021

    HJ Patterson Hall Wing 2 Mech Equipment Rm 0242

...

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