Celebrating the Tiger Way, in grand style!
Towson University celebrates the opening of Burdick Hall expansion, and future construction projects taking place on campus.
By Kyle Hobstetter on January 31, 2018
While it may have been a cold January afternoon, the weather didn’t stop the Towson University community from turning out in full force to celebrate the grand opening of the campus’ new addition.
On Wednesday, January 31, Towson University held a special celebration for the new Burdick Hall expansion, which added over 94,000-square feet to TU’s Campus Recreation Services and fitness space.
The $42.5 million renovation was completed in time for the spring 2018 term and completed what President’ Schatzel said will bring Towson University one step closer to creating a new, interconnected hub that will be the “Grand Central Station” of student life.
“Coming here today, each of you traveled along what I like to call 'Tiger Way,' the main pedestrian route that runs alongside this building,” said President Kim Schatzel during her event remarks. “The vision for this pedestrian route began nearly a decade ago to give students, faculty and staff a way to travel across campus, from York Road through the academic core, and into the West Village.
“With the opening of this renovation and addition, I am proud to say 'Tiger Way' is complete!”
Learn more about the features of the Bigger, Better Burdick Hall expansion.
When Burdick Hall first opened in 1968, Towson University’s enrollment was just 7,990 — just over a third of the 23,000 it is today. And while the campus has changed a lot since Burdick Hall opened, Towson University is still growing and changing almost 50 years later.
Over the next seven years, Towson University will invest almost $700 million into its buildings and campus infrastructure, which is more that has been invested during the previous 20 years. With the completion of the Burdick Hall Expansion, TU will now move to the other major infrastructure projects.
New Science Complex
Scheduled to open in fall of 2020, Towson University broke ground on the new Science Complex last fall. The complex will be located along York Road, between Stephens Hall and the 7800 building.
When the new Science Complex opens, it will be the largest academic building on TU’s campus and will feature 50 teaching laboratories, 30 research laboratories, 50 classrooms, 10 collaborative student spaces, eight lecture halls and one outdoor classroom leading into the Glen Arboretum.
The complex will also include a rain garden for storm water control, planetarium, observatory, rooftop greenhouse, museum and vivarium.
Residence Tower Renovation
Opened in 1972, the Residence Tower has been home to more than 20,000 students and is undergoing its first significant renovation and is planned to reopen in 2018.
Features of the renovated Residence Tower include a two-story, atrium-style lobby with community space and game room, fully renovated room layouts, enclosed study spaces and community lounges on every floor, a brightened exterior with brick-toned panels and new windows and new larger elevators.
The renovation will incorporate sustainable design components, including the installation of high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and an enclosed recycling chute. The project is expected to achieve LEED silver certification.
Towson University Marriott Renovation
During her spring 2017 address, President Schatzel announced that the university will conclude its agreement with the Towson University Marriott Hotel in June 2018 and will reopen as university-owned student housing by fall 2018.
Towson University has shifted toward a more residential campus in recent years. About 87 percent of full-time freshmen live on campus, and demand for housing has surpassed capacity. Record enrollment growth is expected again this fall, which will increase demand for more student housing.
Renovating the Towson University Marriott Hotel will help the university meet the strong demand for upper-division student housing and help offset a 2,000–2,500-bed shortage.
Stay up-to-date with the campus construction happening at Towson University
These are just the first steps in Towson University’s seven-year plan, with more projects to be announced at a later date—including an expansion of the University Union building. And with the opening of a bigger, better, Burdick Hall, President Schatzel is ready to continue TU’s major progress.
“Today is indeed a very special day and as we stand together and celebrate,” Schatzel said. “And let’s remember...there is much to be proud of at Towson University, and there are indeed great things ahead.”