A brand-new U

Starting this October, Towson University will begin work on an 85,000-square foot addition and renovation to the University Union

By Kyle Hobstetter on March 13, 2018

The University Union, at the center of Towson University's campus, will undergo a 85,000-square foot addition and renovation starting this fall. This render shows the new north plaza at the front of the building, which will connect the Union to Tiger Way and the open space between Burdick Hall and the College of Liberal Arts.
The University Union, at the center of Towson University's campus, will undergo a 85,000-square foot addition and renovation starting this fall. This render shows the new north plaza at the front of the building, which will connect the Union to Tiger Way and the open space between Burdick Hall and the College of Liberal Arts.

The University Union has been at the center of Towson University’s campus for nearly 46 years. Starting this fall, the building will begin a major renovation to add much-needed space, which befits Maryland’s fastest-growing university.

This October, the Union will be transformed through an 85,000 square-foot addition and a complete renovation of the existing building. “A Brand New U” will have expanded event, dining and student group space and a more open interior design.

“The University Union is the heart of Towson University’s student life and the most utilized building on campus,” said President Kim Schatzel. “This major renovation and significant addition are both aimed at supporting the high-quality events and outstanding student groups that call the Union home."

Stay up to date with the “A Brand New U” construction process

The new Union and the recently renovated Burdick Hall, both located along the newly named “Tiger Way,” will become the center for student activity on campus, Schatzel said.

Through the new additions, the Union will feature new main entrances connecting the new and renovated plazas on the north and south sides of the building. The new north plaza at the front of the building will connect the Union to Tiger Way and the open space between Burdick Hall and the College of Liberal Arts.

Some other key features of “A Brand New U” include:

  • A 300-seat auditorium and movie theatre that will replace the current Chesapeake Rooms.
  • A new food market inspired by local markets such as R House and Mount Vernon Marketplace. The market will feature seven food outlets, including Dunkin’ Donuts and Chick-Fil-A.
  • A 15,000-square foot ballroom.
  • A relocated and expanded Career Center.
  • Double the student activity space, including new and expanded meeting areas.

The University Union is the most frequently used building on campus — currently housing student activities, student group and meeting space, and retail and dining options used by the entire TU community.

The building was initially built in 1972 and was designed for a university population that stood at just 9,000 students. With this update, “A Brand New U” will be able to better serve TU’s current student enrollment of 22,700.  

The project will be under construction until 2021 and has been scheduled to be completed in two phases to keep the building open during the renovations and additions.

Phase one will begin this October and will consist of the construction of a three-level addition on the north side of the existing Union. This section will house the new food market and new entrance along Tiger Way. Phase one is expected to be completed in Fall 2020.

When the new addition opens in Fall 2020, TU will begin work on phase two — a renovation of existing portions of the Union. Phase two, and the project in general, will be completed by Fall 2021.

The Union Garage will remain open during the length of project. The University Store and some Union dining services will remain open during the project but with adjusted locations and availability based on the construction schedule. There will also be posted signs for pedestrians with information on detours and building access.

 Learn more about all of Towson Universities current construction projects.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel's priorities for Towson University: Strategic Plan Alignment