Rita Rossi Colwell Ctr Replacement

Birdair, Inc., the world’s leading specialty contractor for custom tensile membrane structures for over 68 years, upgraded the PTFE tensile membrane roof at the Rita Rossi Colwell Center at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Birdair retrofitted the original PTFE roofing system, installed by Birdair in 1994, with its innovative Tensotherm™ insulated tensile fabric, which provides enhanced durability, energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. In addition, Birdair replaced a 175-square-foot awning at the south entry of the building.

The replacement work is began in May 2025 and was completed by end of 2025. Operating within an active facility, Birdair's 10-12-person construction crew carefully managed the project in sections, ensuring minimal disruption to the atrium’s day-to-day activities.