J. Vinton Schafer Construction provided preconstruction and construction services for the Cole Head House Renovation project, which improved ADA accessibility throughout the Head House and completely replaced the existing HVAC equipment. The Cole Cultural Center Fit-Out project renovated space within the Cole Head House to create new programming space for Cultural Centers and to provide updated accommodations for relocated users who already occupied space within the Head House.
The “Head House” portion of Cole Fieldhouse—running parallel to Union Drive—had not been updated as part of the larger Cole Fieldhouse construction project that reached substantial completion in June 2021. Many features of the Head House were original to the 1956 building, and mechanical equipment serving the space had been replaced incrementally over time. This project evaluated the systems serving the Head House and provided a comprehensive, code-compliant, and energy-efficient set of building systems to ensure the space could be used effectively for years to come.
Prior to renovation, the lack of an elevator serving the upper floors significantly limited access, and the existing restroom facilities predated ADA requirements. The Cultural Center project addressed these deficiencies while providing dedicated space to support five new Cultural Centers. The completed project supports the University of Maryland’s broader campus initiative to ensure that every community member feels welcomed, affirmed, and experiences a strong sense of belonging.



























































































