The University of Maryland’s Hillel is set to unveil a new 40,000-square-foot building by the spring of next year, featuring student-approved amenities.
The idea for a new building sparked 15 years ago. It gained momentum right before COVID with a design laid out. However, when the world shut down, so did the plans for a new Hillel.
Fast forward a couple of years later, planning went back into motion with Assistant Director of Student Life Dawn Savage and Director of Finance and Operations Shawn Laing working closely with student groups to see what works for everyone.
“We made sure everyone had a say,” Laing said.
That’s precisely what they did. Recently, Savage brought various chairs for students to sit on and pick out which they liked best.
“I’m seriously contemplating getting rid of my bed and just sleeping in this,” junior Joey Cohn said while relaxing in a gray sofa-like chair.
The design is not the only thing carefully curated for students’ standards. Superintendent Jarrett Jackson said the construction process considered students’ wants and needs.
“Students were definitely thought of a lot,” Jackson said.
The project aims to provide better amenities, including an all-day dairy cafe, a yoga studio, a cappella rehearsal room, a garden, an outdoor cafe and a brick oven for fresh pizza.
The building will also feature tall ceilings, a monumental staircase and open skylight windows. Every room will be multi-purpose and can accommodate up to 400 people.
“Every single room in that building can be used for different purposes. And there’s a lot of rooms, small rooms, little huddle rooms…little personal spaces if you just need to study,” Laing said.
With the new building more than doubling in size, from 16,000 square feet to 40,000, many students are excited about the opportunities more space can bring.
“I’m really excited to have a space where we can really do whatever we want, just have so many more opportunities to have bigger events and for all the holidays to not be squashed in a small room anymore,” Orthodox sophomore Kira Wilbur said.
“I think it’ll be easier for everyone to come together in a shared space,” Orthodox sophomore Lizzie Glick said.
(Courtesy of Liad Mussaffi)
