Bureau of Facilities

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Howard County Public Works and the Department Recreation and Parks is renovating the former Harriet Tubman HS to become a new Cultural Center that will integrate Exhibits dedicated to African American History in Howard County, and its namesake, Harriet Tubman, along with other recreational and learning activities. The building will be managed by the Department of Recreation & Parks.

Building Amenities include:

• Exhibit Space dedicated to showcasing African American Culture and History in Howard County
• Dance and Aerobics Studio
• Cafeteria
• Auditorium with Stage for performances and events
• Game Room with Billiards
• Preserved Original Classroom
• Historical Reading Room
• Video and Oral History Studios
• Administrative Offices for the Harriet Tubman Foundation

The new 29,600 sf East Columbia 50+ Center will be constructed on the existing East Columbia Library campus and is designed to achieve LEED Gold Certification. The 2-story facility is steel-structured with exterior walls comprised of glazing, masonry and metal panels. The building includes large community meeting rooms, a commercial kitchen, a Social Day program, Fitness equipment room and exercise studio, classrooms and multi-purpose spaces as well as lounge spaces and support offices. 

The new 3 bay North Columbia Fire Station is proposed in response to recent growth patterns and increasing call-demands for central Columbia and the Greater Columbia area. In a recent Harpers Choice Village board meeting, the Bureau of Facilities presented a new site concept to inspire community and civic pride with an environmentally friendly design. The site development includes the new fire station as well as an expansion of Cedar Lane Park behind Harper's Choice Middle school. The new fire station will be located off of Route 108 to provide easy and direct access for emergency and fire response. The station will have a sustainable design and will serve as a home away from home for firefighters, including bunk rooms, fitness, and locker rooms, a kitchen/ living space, offices, and support spaces.