Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus Projects Updates – February 2, 2024

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for your interest in the Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus construction projects. We strive to keep our neighbors informed about significant construction events with this weekly email notification.

This notice provides information on the construction of the Catherine and Isiah Leggett Building the campus library renovation in the Resource Center, and the Facilities Master Plan work for Montgomery College.

Upcoming activities are listed below:

Leggett Building—Construction

• Interior Work: Work on the interior of the building is progressing, including the installation of decorative acoustic ceiling baffles and flooring, and final painting of the walls. Technological equipment is being installed inside the Planetarium.
• Exterior Work: The exterior windows are continuing to undergo testing to ensure their functionality and efficiency.
• Site Utilities: Site trench drains, used to effectively manage water flow, are continuing to be added to the grounds. The implementation of grounding and lightning protection systems is continuing. 
• Trucks on Takoma Ave: A limited number of trucks related to landscape work on the south end of the site will be accessing Takoma Avenue as needed. Vehicles will proceed via New York Avenue and enter the construction site from the new Takoma Avenue parking lot entrance. Upon departure, the trucks will turn east on Takoma Avenue to New York Avenue and turn right on Fenton Street. This ongoing work will occur as weather permits.
• Landscaping: The installation of remaining landscape materials will advance as weather permits. Additional deliveries of plant materials are being received via New York Avenue and the internal campus roadway next to the Commons Building (Academic Way).
• Deliveries: As previously updated, materials are being delivered on site for use within the structure. Drivers are routinely reminded they are required to follow the designated routes to and from the site and must enter and exit on Fenton Street from Philadelphia. 

Library/Resource Center—Renovation   

• Water Line and Upcoming WSSC Work: Work for establishing the new water service for the Library/Resource Center continues. To complete this work, WSSC will test the water line in the near future, though a date has not yet been identified by WSSC.As previously noted, there is a potential for water loss. We will keep you updated as we receive more information. Please be on the lookout for additional communications coming directly from WSSC.
• Sidewalk Closure: For the remainder of the project, the sidewalk on New York Avenue in front of the Library/Resource Center is closed to pedestrians. This is to ensure the safety of students and community members who pass by the construction site. Pedestrians will be re-routed across the road for safe passage.
• Exterior Work: The installation of exterior wall panels and storefront glass is advancing. Concrete pouring work is expected to continue, although this activity is weather-dependent. 
• Street Cleaning: Starting next week, a Bobcat street sweeper will be used as needed to clear mud and debris that accumulates due to inclement weather. The noise levels are equivalent to a standard car and the use of the Bobcat will not result in street closures.
  
• Deliveries: Materials for interior work activities continue to be delivered to the site. All drivers are continuously reminded to adhere to the construction directives, which prohibit project vehicles from proceeding down New York Avenue past Academic Way. These directives also prohibit any vehicles from accessing Takoma Avenue. Representatives from Gilbane Construction will continue to monitor Takoma Avenue and are committed to taking the appropriate action where violations occur.

Project Update Forum

• Thank you to those who joined us for our virtual Project Update Forum! Please visit our website to access the recording of the meeting and a copy of the presentation. 

Facilities Master Plan

• The College’s Board of Trustees approved the FMP plan during its January 24 meeting. The plan has now been submitted to the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Please visit the FMP website for additional information.

Please visit our website for additional information on all three TP/SS construction projects. As always, you may contact us with questions at community@montgomerycollege.edu or call the project hotline at 800-879-9879.

Thank you,
The Montgomery College Team