Smith Hall Renovation & Expansion

Mueller is partnering with JMT Architecture and Shepley Bulfinch on the comprehensive renovation and expansion of Towson University’s Smith Hall, reimagining the 220,000 GSF former science building as a state-of-the-art home for the College of Fine Arts and Communication. The project consolidates the university’s mass communication, communication studies, and electronic media and film programs, creating a unified facility that advances interdisciplinary learning and prepares students for evolving careers in media, communication, and digital arts.

The revitalized building will feature active-learning classrooms, collaborative study environments, tiered lecture halls, and a full suite of specialty spaces, including:

• VR and animation labs
• A production soundstage
• Recording and audio production studios
• A TV studio
• 250-seat cinema with dedicated entrances.

A two-story working newsroom anchors the building’s communication programs, while a black box performance space supports film screenings, showcases, and student productions. The project also houses new spaces for the Faculty Academic Center of Excellence at Towson (FACET), a public relations and advertising agency lab, focus group observation rooms, and dedicated suites for the Public Communication Center and TU Debate.

Mueller is delivering mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering solutions that support high-performance, energy-efficient operations within a highly specialized and acoustically sensitive environment. The design incorporates independent heating and cooling systems—including active chilled beams—and integrates Towson University’s first operational geothermal system. These systems reduce energy use and carbon emissions and support the university’s goal of achieving LEED Gold certification. Additional engineering considerations include preserving structural integrity during renovation, integrating modern systems within existing building constraints, and ensuring acoustic isolation for media, recording, and performance spaces.

When complete, the transformed Smith Hall will serve as a vibrant hub for communication, media arts, and creative expression—advancing Towson University’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and hands-on learning.