As long as there’s still empty real estate somewhere in the immediate area, the University of Maryland will put a building there. Just not right now. Here’s the most hype-worthy urban development projects that you need to be aware of this fall semester, which will not be completed this fall semester.

A bike lane

There will be a bike lane. A list is currently being made of possible locations for a new bike lane, sorted from least to most effectual. The way things are looking, it’ll run along Preinkert Drive between South Campus Commons buildings five and six and then abruptly terminate before the intersection with Lehigh Road. And that’ll be finished in 2033 at the earliest.

Chemical industrial superplant expansion (again)

Zupnik Hall won’t be done soon enough for any of this information to matter to you, so you can stop reading here if you want. When it is finished, it will provide a safer and more modern workspace for STEM faculty and students, a much-needed upgrade from the visibly aged asbestos-lined walls of classic buildings like the original chemistry complex.

Barry P. Gossett Basketball Performance Center

This actually opened on September 12. It’s a basketball facility. You could play basketball there, in theory. You might have to be on the team, though, and chances are you aren’t. The big beautiful sidewalk up to Terrapin Trail Garage will never be back either, so the damage was already done and that’ll stick with you after you leave UMD.

Places for grad students to sleep and make dinner and take a shower

East of Fraternity Row lies another construction site, which will be turned into an apartment building for graduate students by fall of 2026. One year doesn’t seem like too long of a time, right? Even if you’re a senior who will be heading out before then, you could take advantage of this, right? Well, are you coming back here for grad school? I didn’t think so.

Something huge on the Chapel Lawn

The University isn’t too keen on wasting space, but they’re not sure what to put on the lawn yet. There are already plenty of engineering buildings to go around. Someone tossed around the idea of a private heliport, and the University is currently estimating how much cement they’ll need to pour over the grass to make that work.

No matter how long it takes, UMD will be fearlessly forward in expanding its campus outwards, and when there’s finally no more room, they’ll go upwards and downwards if they have to. Onwards!

Image Credits: Caleb VanRoekel