History of the Campus Master Plan

Work on the campus master plan began in the fall of 2007, shortly after former parent Edward St. John pledged $10 million toward the construction of a new student life center. His gift inspired the board of trustees and administration to take a broad look at McDonogh's campus to ensure that any physical improvements support the school's strategic, long-term goals.

The school retained the services of Baltimore-based Ayers Saint Gross to help imagine the major elements of a new plan. Their study created the vision for a new Woods Road corridor and a campus green.

In January of 2008, 22 working groups of teachers, students, parents, and alumni began a sweeping study of space requirements for academics, arts, dining, boarding, and more. Their work became a 150-page report that architects used to shape the new plan.

Working groups asked themselves these questions:

  • Vision: What are the characteristics of learning that you believe are essential to your program?
  • Obstacles: How are our current facilities obstacles to the realization of your vision?
  • Requirements: What are the key elements of new and renovated space that will support the realization of your vision?

In May 2008, the Campus Master Plan Steering Committee hired Washington, D.C.-based Bowie Gridley Architects to translate the report into a workable design. Refinements continued throughout 2008 and 2009.

The board authorized the architects to move into the design-development phase in September 2009. Precise architectural drawings, complete with builders' specifications, are being done now to prepare for future construction.


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McDonogh School | 410.363.0600 |
8600 McDonogh Road | Owings Mills | Maryland | 21117