About
The Department of General Services (DGS), established on July 1, 2025, unites the former Bureau of Facilities and Real Estate Services Division into a single agency dedicated to delivering high-quality public facilities and spaces for Howard County. With a focus on long-term stewardship, sustainability, and innovation, DGS serves as a trusted partner to County Administration and other agencies, ensuring that every project and initiative reflects the County’s values of efficiency, accountability, and community impact.
Department Overview
DGS maintains 2.9 million square feet of buildings throughout the County. DGS is responsible for all County-owned and leased space, including alterations, repairs, cleaning, heating, cooling, lighting, power supply, plumbing, floor covering, furniture and building security. The Department acquires property as prescribed by law and as directed by County Administration for future County programming and services. DGS manages the planning, design and construction for most County Government buildings. DGS works with the County Administration and other Departments to meet the County’s sustainability initiatives and be a model of good stewardship of community resources.
Our department includes below Major services:
-
Director’s Office
-
Bureau of Contracts & Security
-
Bureau of Operation & Maintenance
-
Bureau of Planning, Design and Construction
-
Bureau of Real Estate Management
For additional information or assistance regarding County facilities and services, please contact the Department of General Services at 410-313-2700.
Ongoing Projects
The new Lakefront Library will deliver a new public library designed to serve as a vibrant community hub for learning, culture, and civic engagement. Replacing the existing Central Library, the facility will provide modern library services including collections, reading areas, youth and family spaces, technology and digital learning areas, makerspace activities, and flexible study and meeting rooms that support educational programming and community use. An event venue/space will be incorporated to accommodate public events, performances, lectures, and community gatherings, helping support long-term operational sustainability. The project will create an inviting and accessible public destination that promotes literacy, lifelong learning, and cultural enrichment while supporting the evolving needs of residents, students, and community organizations.
Current status: Concept Design
The proposed Elkridge Community Center project aims to design and construct a 76,000 square-foot multifunctional hub equipped with a destination playground, meeting the evolving needs of the county's fastest-growing area, as identified in the 2020 census. The rapid expansion of Elkridge underscores the necessity for a local venue that offers diverse recreational programs and essential services on par with those found in Glenwood, Laurel, and Ellicott City.
The community center will serve as a cornerstone for social, educational, and athletic activities, fostering community engagement and providing a central location for residents to gather, learn, and play. This project not only reflects the county's commitment to growth and well-being but also ensures that the burgeoning Elkridge community will have a contemporary space designed for enrichment and connectivity.
Current Status: Groundbreaking (Summer 2026)
Strategically positioned along the Route 108 corridor, this new state-of-the-art fire station is designed to enhance emergency response coverage for the surrounding community. The facility will include three dedicated apparatus bays for emergency vehicles, along with modern support spaces for first responders. Key features include an EMT training classroom, bunk rooms for rest and recovery, dayroom and kitchen areas for daily use, and a fully equipped fitness center to support firefighter health and readiness. This new station will play a critical role in providing hands on training to Howard County Public School students, reducing response times, and strengthening public safety across the region.
Groundbreaking: Summer 2026
The proposed project aims to design and construct a state-of-the-art indoor track facility spanning 120,000 square feet, a strategic addition to serve not only Howard County but also neighboring regions. This initiative seeks to address the shortage of indoor track amenities, as the only available facility for such athletic events is located in Prince George's County. Howard County's students travel extensively for all indoor track meets, posing logistical challenges and limiting local access to track and field activities. The new facility will provide a much-needed venue for training and hosting competitive events, fostering athletic development and reducing the need for inter-county travel.
Current Status: Land Acquisition
This project at Meadowbrook Park will develop a state-of-the-art indoor ice rink facility. Previously planned at Shipley Park, preliminary assessments indicated prohibitive site complications and elevated cost projections. By situating the ice rink adjacent to the current Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, significant savings in construction costs are forecasted, leveraging shared amenities and infrastructure. This strategic co-location also promises operational synergies between the ice rink and the athletic complex. The selected site boasts a central location with superior accessibility, given its proximity to major thoroughfares such as Routes 100 and 29. This facility will not only enhance the park's appeal but also address the community's recreational needs by providing a year-round venue for ice sports and activities.
Current Status: In Design
This project will replace the existing Fire Station #7 (Banneker Fire Station) in Downtown Columbia with a new three-bay fire station designed to meet current operational, safety, and emergency response needs for the surrounding service area. The project is currently in the feasibility study phase, evaluating redevelopment options for the existing site, including the construction of the new fire station and the potential integration of senior housing in support of the Downtown Columbia Master Plan.
Current Status: Feasibility Study
The Patuxent Woods Child Care Center project will establish Howard County’s first County-operated childcare facility, providing affordable, high-quality early childhood education and care for up to 60 children, ranging from infants to Pre-K age. Located on the first floor of the 9755 Patuxent Woods building, the approximately 7,600-square-foot center will feature secure access, naturally lit classrooms, and a dedicated outdoor play area. The center is strategically located near multiple County offices and major transportation routes, offering convenient access for working families. Priority enrollment will be provided to Howard County Government employees, with additional spaces available to the broader community. The project will also create approximately 20 new employment opportunities while supporting the County’s commitment to expanding access to reliable childcare services.
Current Status: In Design
The scope of work for the Agricultural Center is envisioned as an 18,000 GSF facility designed to combine community engagement, education, research, and agricultural innovation. The program includes public spaces such as an exhibition area, multipurpose hall, and meeting rooms; educational areas with classrooms and a demonstration kitchen; and administrative offices and support areas. Additional provisions include site-based components such as demonstration farm plots, gardens, and parking with EV charging, ensuring the center supports both indoor programming and outdoor agricultural activities.
Current Status: In Design
Under Construction Projects
The New Cultural Center (NCC) in Howard County is a vibrant arts and education facility that serves both local and regional communities. Anchored by Toby’s Dinner Theatre and home to the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts, the NCC also features classroom, gallery, and rehearsal spaces, along with a flexible Black Box Theater for youth and emerging artists. Through its diverse programming and professional facilities, the NCC fosters creativity, education, and cultural development, making it a significant asset for Maryland.
The phase #1 substantial completed is scheduled to be December 2026
The Lynn Buff Non-Congregate Shelter is being developed in support of the County’s plan to end homelessness and will provide safe, stable, and dignified temporary housing for individuals experiencing housing insecurity. The facility will support residential, administrative, and operational functions and include 20 guest rooms, each approximately 300–350 square feet with accessible restrooms, as well as reception, security, and case management offices. Support amenities will include laundry facilities, a kitchenette, dining and multipurpose areas, and a staff lounge. The program is designed to promote resident comfort, stability, and access to supportive services while enabling efficient staff operations.
Current Status: 30% construction
Recently Completed Projects
Adjacent to the existing North Laurel Community Center is a 24,000 square foot swimming pool addition. This encompasses a competition or lap swimming pool, a dedicated pool for young children with an amusement park sized slide, and a treatment pool for therapeutic purposes. In addition to the pools, it incudes amenity spaces to enhance the overall aquatic experience.
This project involved the adaptive reuse and historic preservation of the former Circuit Courthouse in Ellicott City to create a vibrant community and cultural destination. The renovated facility serves as the new home for the Howard County Arts Council while also establishing the County’s first AAPI Cultural Center to support community programming, education, and local entrepreneurship. Phase 2 of the project (which includes new Roving Radish and Shared Kitchen spaces) is anticipated to begin in mid-2026 with completion targeted for mid-2027. In addition, FY27 funding supports site improvements in and around the Old Jail property to support Preservation Maryland’s ongoing restoration efforts and enhance the overall historic campus.
Current Status: Phase 1 complete; Phase 2 in design.
This project involves the fit-out of the newly acquired 9755 Patuxent Woods Office Complex to support multiple County functions. The County’s Office of Workforce Development and the Department of Housing & Community Development have relocated to the building; and local offices of State agencies aligned with workforce development will be relocating to the building in the near future. The project providing efficient and flexible workspace for County services.
Project Status: Phase 1 complete.
The High Ridge building will serve as the new operations center for the National Pan Hellenic Council of Howard County. The nearly 30,000 square foot space will provide centralized infrastructure for mentoring and community leadership for several nationally renowned organizations. Renovations to the upper level of the more than 60-year-old building were recently completed and included upgrades to ADA, HVAC, electrical, structural and fire suppression elements and systems. Additionally, modernized multi-user restrooms as well as a gender-neutral restroom (with adult changing station) have been provided.
Project Status: Upper level complete; Lower level renovations planned for late 2026
Major Services and Organization Chart
The Director's Office manages the four bureaus, with 100+ staff. Responsibilities include day-to-day personnel management, coordination with HR in aspects such as performance evaluations, hiring, and discipline. Other responsibilities include management of the operating and capital budgets, budget and payments related to building ownership, operations, and construction, capital project management, energy conservation projects, management of the department’s safety program and apprenticeship program.
Members
- Director – Samantha M. Cobb
This bureau manages the contracts for the Department, including vendors, professional services and contractors, including the Management of custodial services falls within Contracts and Security’s responsibilities. The Bureau also manages the building security program for the County, closely working with the Administration, Department of Technology and Communications Services, Office of Emergency Management and the Howard County Police Department for installation and management of access control, visitor management and the oversight of security guard personnel.
This bureau is responsible for maintaining the daily operations of most County-owned and leased facilities. This responsibility includes building maintenance, technical expertise in the development of new facilities, control of energy use, performing infrastructure system improvements and providing building services where necessary.
Members
- Bureau Chief – David John
The Bureau of Planning, Design, and Construction is responsible for general planning and master planning of space needs for the County. Once needs are determined, this bureau manages the design and construction of County Government buildings through capital projects or existing space renovations.
Members
- Bureau Chief – Tae Jung
Real Estate Management is responsible for acquisition of land for the Capital Improvement Program, management of the Developer Agreement Program, obtaining lease space for County services, and the disposition of County real property assets.
Go to Bureau of Real Estate Management Web Site
Members
- Bureau Chief – Emily Iacchei
DGS Code and Standard
The following codes and standards shall apply to all design and construction projects procured by the Department of General Services (DGS). These requirements establish the minimum regulatory and technical framework governing the planning, design, documentation, construction, and inspection of County facilities. All Architect/Engineer (AE) consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and equipment or material vendors engaged under DGS contracts are required to comply fully with the applicable federal, state, and local codes, as well as the standards identified below.
HoCO by design
Building Code and Standard
Howard County Code of Ordinances ( Check TITLE 3 - Buildings)
Procurement Related
County Building Maintenance
Use this portal to submit facility maintenance and service requests for County-owned buildings* and related infrastructure. Typical requests may include HVAC issues, electrical or lighting problems, plumbing repairs, door and hardware concerns, custodial needs, furniture adjustments, and other building-related maintenance services. Once your request is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Facilities Services team and assigned accordingly. You may bookmark this link for quick access to future service requests.
Access the Facility Service Portal:
click here to access(opens in a new window)
*School facilities are maintained and managed by the Howard County Public School System; for any related inquiries, please contact them directly through their official website (https://www.hcpss.org/)