Residence Tower

The renovation of Towson University’s Residence Tower reimagines one of the campus’s most recognizable buildings: a fourteen-story, 102,000-square-foot residence hall originally constructed in 1972. The fully modernized, LEED Gold–certified facility now provides a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and community-oriented living environment for 444 students in a quad-style residential configuration.

Major upgrades addressed long-standing building performance challenges, including condensation on interior window walls, vertical transmission of noise and odors between floors, and aging envelope and roof systems. The project improved thermal comfort, enhanced indoor environmental quality, and strengthened the overall reliability of the building’s infrastructure.

The lower two levels were transformed into vibrant community spaces, featuring a large shared kitchen, game room, laundry facilities, study lounges, a conference room, and flexible gathering areas. On the residential floors, new layouts, updated bathrooms, enclosed study rooms, and open lounges on every floor create a more connected and supportive student-living experience.

Engineering Systems that Enhance Comfort, Energy Efficiency, and Building Performance

Working with Design Collective, Mueller provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services for the Residence Tower renovation, emphasizing long-term energy savings and student comfort while working within the constraints of an existing 1970s high-rise structure.

Key engineering improvements include:

• High-efficiency HVAC systems designed to improve temperature control and eliminate condensation issues on the tower’s window walls

• Strategies to reduce vertical transmission of air, odors, and noise, improving indoor environmental quality between residential floors

• Upgraded electrical distribution to support modern amenities, community spaces, and student technology needs

• New lighting and lighting controls to enhance safety, reduce energy use, and improve comfort in common areas and corridors

• Envelope-related improvements, including roof upgrades to increase durability and overall energy performance

These integrated systems helped the Residence Tower achieve LEED Gold certification and support Towson University’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, campus livability, and the holistic student experience.