George Mason University Undergoes Major Construction, Renovation

FAIRFAX, Va. — The majority of the 21 projects outlined in a construction plan that was introduced at George Mason University’s Fairfax campus in 2005 will reach completion in 2009.

Major investments include $77 million for the Northeast Sector Development project, $56 million for an information technology and research building, and $29 million for a new parking deck. The projects are funded by bonds, loans and private donations and are in response to substantial growth in enrollment at the college.

The Northeast Sector Development project is the largest construction project taking place on the campus. It includes five new on-campus residence buildings totaling about 450,000 square feet. Construction is complete on two residence halls and under way on two others. The fifth facility will include a dining area, fitness center, restaurant, coffee house, recreation area and office space.

The buildings will be five or six stories tall and will hold more than 1,000 beds. Two of the facilities were designed by architectural firm Burt Hill, which plans to seek LEED Silver certification.

Green features at the residence halls include heat-recovery units that enhance air systems and help reduce energy costs.

The new 180,000-square-foot information technology and research facility will house labs, classrooms, conference rooms and offices for the department. Construction on the project began in July 2007 and is expected to be completed in July 2009. Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum designed the facility.

The parking structure will be five stories and have 1,650 parking spaces. It will also include a 15,000-square-foot public safety building. Construction on the project has not begun but the completion date is scheduled for May 2009.

Other projects at the campus include expanding the physical education building and performing arts building, updating the softball field and renovating other existing buildings.

The college’s other two campuses, located in Prince William and Arlington, Md., are also undergoing construction projects.

Construction at the Arlington campus will result in a new 256,000-square-foot building with faculty offices, classrooms, library, auditorium and computer labs. The $73 million project also includes a new 160,000-square-foot parking structure. Construction on the project began in November 2007 and is scheduled to be completed in January 2010.

Two construction projects are slated for the Prince William campus, resulting in a new $45 million, 57,000-square-foot biomedical research lab and a $40 million, 84,000-square-foot performing arts center.

Construction on the biomedical center began in May 2008 and is scheduled for completion in December 2009. Construction on the performing arts center has not begun.

A $28.9 million expansion project at the physical education building includes a new gym, fitness center and other amenities.