MCA completed the restoration/preservation/renovation of Maryland School for the Blind’s Newcomer, Case, and Campbell Halls (NCC)—three contiguous buildings in July 2020. This project was one of several MCA has worked on for MSB over the past three years as part of a major capital project initiative totaling almost $80M. The scope of work included full interior renovations, building additions, demolition of the Wolfe Center, and exterior restoration of brickwork, historical terra cotta details, and windows of Newcomer Hall.

Renovation to NCC began with extensive interior demolition and reworking of the existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Interior work included the creation of a new gymnasium, food preparation/teaching kitchen, mailroom, shipping/receiving area, administrative offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, and laboratories. In addition, Case Hall included a new kitchen, dining hall, the Weinberg Library, media center, and an outdoor dining/teaching terrace. The final phase of the work for the Newcomer, Case, and Campbell Halls project included demolition of the existing Wolfe Center and site work with a new retaining wall, storm water management structure, parking, and roadway to complete the campus-wide loop road. The full scope of services included programming, detailed building assessments, design services, and CA services for complete interior and exterior renovations to all buildings—including full specifications for FF&E.

The historic elements of the building required coordination with MHT for all exterior rehabilitation and addition work. Following Department of the Interior Guidelines and as approved by Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), the exterior façade of the historic masonry building went through a complete restoration for energy efficiency and longevity.

Construction was accomplished in multiple phases to allow for the partial continuation of the educational program within the complex and included hazardous material remediation in the existing buildings.

Have a question about this project?

Contact Alan Bowman, AIA, LEED AP at abowman@mca.design