Is there a problem with the air conditioning at State Highway Administration headquarters?

That is the implication of a sign in some employee's fourth-floor, south-facing office in the building at 701 N. Calvert St. saying "Sauna Room."

The sign seems to be a cry for help because it is most visible to those on the second floor of the parking garage in the 600 block of North Calvert. That just happens to be where many reporters for The Sun -- including this one -- park.

So would someone over there please call a good HVAC contractor so our hard-working state employees aren't ruining their clothes with sweat stains? Or is there a more metaphorical explanation for the sign?

The mystery deepens.

AND HERE'S A REPLY:

Hi Mike

Just a quick follow up to your blog entry regarding the sign located on the 3rd floor of SHA's 707 headquarters.

As with many old buildings and with temps in the 60's one day and the 90's the next day, there can be issues regulating consistent temperatures in a six-story 60+ year-old building.

Our maintenance folks do a great job keeping the majority of the building a consistent, comfortable temperature.  We currently are working toward installing new updated HVAC equipment in 2010, which should help as well.

In the meanwhile, please keep us abreast of any other signs facing the Baltimore Sun garage.

Dave

David Buck

MDOT - State Highway Administration

Office of Communications

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I'll be watching your windows.

Mike

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Mike - I just wanted to add the funding for the HVAC improvements is pending.  If $$ is available in 2010, only then will (we) move forward. 

David Buck