UMB Housing
Important Housing Update
Updated Thursday, February 27, 2025
Since 2004, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) has provided two on-campus housing options for the University community: Fayette Square and Pascault Row.
In December 2022, UMB informed the campus community of their strategic decision to sell Fayette Square. You can read the December 2022 communication on The Elm.
On Feb. 26, 2025, the University announced that Zahlco Management had been identified as the buyer of Fayette Square, with the sale date finalized for Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. At that time, ownership transitioned from UMB to Zahlco, who rebranded Fayette Square as 500 W. The Feb. 26 communication also announced that the University had decided to sell Pascault Row. You can read the February 2025 communication on The Elm.
UMB has communicated this update directly to current residents and will keep residents informed as the closing date approaches and after the sale, as needed.
Questions About the Transition
What will happen to residents' housing scholarships? ▾
All existing housing scholarships offered through UMB will continue to be honored as outlined in each resident's current agreement, including any existing housing scholarships offered for the 2025-2026 academic year. UMB will not offer any new housing scholarships.
No. Current rental rates and all associated terms and conditions would remain unchanged for the duration of each resident's current agreement, including if they signed a long-term, two-year license.
Will licenses end early because of Pascault Row's closure? ▾
No. All current license agreements for Pascault Row will remain in effect through their contract date, and end no later than August 31, 2025.
Who should residents contact for work orders? ▾
The process for submitting work orders will be managed by Zahlco through their communications portal. Information regarding the new portal will be communicated to residents later this week. Residents should continue to use the current system for work orders until the new process is communicated.
Where should packages be picked up? ▾
Package delivery and pick-up procedures will remain the same. Packages can be retrieved from 500 W. (formerly Fayette Square).
What if a resident loses their keys or if they're locked out of their apartment? ▾
Apartment key check-in and return will remain the same as it is now.
Will there be any changes to services and operations? ▾
UMB has developed a transition plan designed to minimize disruption for current residents. We will work closely with Zahlco to ensure a smooth transition of services and operations. While there may be changes to systems and personnel, we anticipate minimal disruption to your experience at the newly rebranded 500 W. and Pascault Row. The current residential portal (Property Boss) will cease to function after Friday, February 28. Zahlco will provide residents with information later this week about accessing the new portal.
Will UMB continue to offer student housing? ▾
UMB has historically offered two on campus housing properties: Fayette Square and Pascault Row. With the sale of Fayette Square and impending closure of Pascault Row, UMB will no longer offer university-managed housing after summer 2025. This decision was guided by several strategic factors, including the evolving needs of the campus community. More information can be found in the February 2025 communication to the UMB community.
Can residents license an apartment at 500 W. (formerly Fayette Square) for the fall 2025 semester? ▾
Yes. While UMB has sold the property, the new owners - Zahlco - would like 500 W. to be a preferred housing option for the UMB community. Under Zahlco's management, 500 W. will offer many conveniences associated with living near campus. They are currently accepting licenses for the 2025-2026 academic year.
For more information visit Zahlco's website or email 500W@zahlco.com