At the University of Maryland, student safety and comfort are always top priorities. That’s why one of Residential Facilities’ main focuses in 2025 is the modernization of the elevators in Centreville Hall. This project is an important step toward ensuring that residents have reliable, safe, and efficient elevator service for years to come.
Update 1: Crane Work and Temporary Closures Sept. 19
The elevator modernization project at Centreville Hall is progressing on schedule. Here’s what’s new this week:
Crane Work Scheduled for Friday, September 19. Contractors will be using a crane to remove old elevator equipment and install new machinery on the roof.
Schedule
- 7 a.m. – Crane setup outside Centreville Hall
- 8–12 p.m. – Removal of old equipment and installation of new equipment on the roof
We anticipate all work will be completed by 11 a.m., but the timeframe has been extended until noon in case of unforeseen delays.
Elevator Closures
- Both south-side elevators will be out of service from 8 a.m.–noon
- Please use the stairs or the pass-through connections on the 4th and 7th floors to reach the north-side elevators
Closed entrances and areas:
To ensure safety, several entrances, sidewalks, and a section of Valley Drive will be closed during crane operations:
- Door next to the 0107 laundry room
- Two exits in the 0109 multipurpose room
- Several nearby sidewalks Section of Valley Drive near the crane
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we move forward with this important safety and modernization project.
Project Overview
The Centreville Hall Elevator Modernization Project is a critical safety and maintenance initiative. Residential Facilities is upgrading all four elevators in the building by replacing their machinery, motors, controls, and interiors.
Led by our Senior Project Manager, Tony Gourley, this effort has been carefully planned with contractors and in consultation with the university’s Environmental Safety, Sustainability, and Risk (ESSR) to ensure full compliance with safety standards.
In 2024, Cars 1 and 2 (north side) were modernized and are now fully operational. In 2025, the focus shifts to Cars 3 and 4 (south side). Starting Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Car 4 will be taken offline for modernization (expected to take about 5 months). After Car 4 is complete, Car 3 will be taken offline for the same process.
Both south-side elevators are scheduled to be fully operational before next year’s move-in, completing the modernization for all four cars.
Construction Schedule
Work hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Contractors may access machine rooms as early as 6 a.m., but noisy work will not begin before 9 a.m. The project is generally not very noisy, and all work areas will be clearly marked and fenced off for your safety.
Crossover Connections Available for Residents
We know elevator access is essential, especially during the academic year. To reduce delays and wait times, Residential Facilities installed crossover connections on floors 4 and 7 prior to the project. These allow residents to “pass through” from the south side to the north side elevators:
- 4th Floor: Get off at 4 South and walk across to the North Side.
- 5th Floor: Get off at 4 South and walk up one flight of stairs.
- 6th Floor: Get off at 7 South and walk down one flight of stairs.
- 7th Floor: Get off at 7 South and walk across to the North Side.
- 8th Floor: Get off at 7 South and walk up one flight of stairs.
This modernization is a vital upgrade for Centreville Hall, and we are committed to completing it on schedule with as little disruption as possible. With your patience and collaboration, we will ensure Centreville continues to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for current and future Terps.
If you have questions or concerns, please email resfacilities@umd.edu or share your thoughts using our feedback form.
Before-And-After Photos
Elevator Cabins (Before)
Elevator Cabins (After)
Machine Room at Centreville Hall (Before)
Machine Room Upgrade at Centreville Hall (After)
