August 2026
The Spotlight
Acts of Faith
More churches are being renovated, expanded and transformed
From contending with generational termite damage to recreating 200-year-old masonry to choreographing a flying steeple, construction projects at houses of worship can present some of the industry’s most unique challenges.
Those challenges are becoming increasingly common. Sales of surplus church properties (often in desirable city locations) have spurred adaptive reuse projects. Meanwhile, the growth of some congregations (often caused by young people returning to mainline faiths) is prompting churches to renovate existing buildings and expand their campuses.
Trend Watch
Rethinking Employee Wellness
When Diversified Safety Services Field Operations Manager Jay Stephan got something in his eye while visiting a construction site in Frederick, he expected a stop at the onsite medical unit for an eye wash.
He didn’t expect to be offered an EKG.
Behind the Build
Chesapeake Welcome Center
Harford County Community College designed its expansive, new Chesapeake Welcome Center to do much more than process student inquiries about classes and campus life.
In addition to an information hub and administrative offices, the new 78,000-square-foot facility contains a 10,000-square-foot conference center, a 429-seat theater, a 2,000-square-foot art gallery, dining spaces and a commercial kitchen to serve the entire college.
Construction Spotlight
Rail project uncovers a hidden piece of Baltimore’s past
The project team for the $38 million redevelopment of the B&O Railroad Museum (recently rebranded as the National Museum of Railroad History and Innovation) expected challenges when they began the museum’s new CSX Bicentennial Plaza. But they didn’t expect to have construction and designs altered by one of Baltimore’s buried waterways.
Member Briefs
From boardrooms to playgrounds
BC&E member gains new perspective through Baltimore fellowship
When Sam Muffoletto, Chief Estimator for Cole Roofing Company, applied to become a GIVE Fellow, he was excited about the prospect of an eight-month fellowship that would provide professional development, teach him about civic leadership and push him outside his comfort zone.
