Construction Overview: New Deck Open, Other Projects Close to Completion

By Broadside Staff Writer Yasmin Tadjdeh

Like the summer, many major construction sites on George Mason University’s Fairfax campus are also winding down, ready for the influx of students for the 2009-2010 school year. The summer term saw great progression with many on-going construction sites and some saw their completion during summer 2009.

Rappahannock River Parking Deck, a major multi-million dollar endeavor opened its gates on August 24. The project, which began construction in late 2007 had a total budget of over $40 million. The 789,000 square foot deck, which is located in the northern end of campus, provides Mason with an additional 2,650 parking spaces over five levels of the building, thus helping to alleviate crowded parking lots. According to Allen Daytner, the project manager, the deck was in fact under budget and was completed earlier than expected.

Presidents Park was also under construction over the summer. According to project manager Nancy Pickens, the Park renovations began last summer and are slated to be completed in August of 2012. This past year the Washington, Madison and Adam buildings were upgraded with new electrical systems, new finishes and a life safety system consisting of sprinklers and fire alarms.

Eastern Shore and Hampton Roads, dorms that are currently under construction, are slated to open relatively soon. Pickens, also the project manager of these buildings, said “Both buildings will have student rooms that are similar to the other buildings in Chesapeake; a mixture of singles, doubles and suites. Eastern Shore is unique in that it has common areas including living areas and kitchens (3 per floor) along with study rooms and work rooms. Hampton Roads has floor living areas and study lounges.” Eastern Shore is to be opened in October while Hampton Roads, which will have a dining venue in it, is scheduled to open next August.

Two highly anticipated buildings to come to Mason are the Mason Inn and Conference Center and Masonvale. Combined, the two projects have budgets of $100 million.

Masonvale, which is located in the North East sector of campus, will provide housing for Mason staff and faculty. The buildings will feature townhouses and stacked flats with dozens of units.

The Mason Inn and Conference Center, when fully operable, will be a 150 room hotel and will have a 20,000 square foot conference center.

“The Mason Inn and Conference Center provides us the opportunity to host people from across the country and around the world on our campus, and introduce them to the many things Mason has to offer. Not only will more people see our beautiful campus and the surrounding community, but they’ll also familiarize themselves with Mason’s academic and research programs as well as our exceptional faculty, staff, students and academic programs,” said Tom Calhoun, Vice President of Facilities at Mason.

According to Mason’s Facilities Management Office, Mason expects both Masonvale and Mason Inn and Conference Center to be self-sustaining based on their expected revenue, not costing the university any additional funding.

All of these projects have not faced budget cuts or lack of funding due to pre-approved funding by the state and favorable bidding climates. With Mason being a major construction site, the school is taking care to not impact the environment in a negative way.

“Each construction project on our campus takes into consideration its impact on the environment. Sustainability has become central to everything Mason does. We have a moral and financial responsibility to continually seek to improve the way Mason operates. Running a more efficient campus means cash back to the university that can be used for other things such as scholarships and new academic programs,” said Calhoun.

When asked how she felt about construction on campus, Freshman nursing major Julia Harding said, “I like the fact that as I’m growing as a student, the school is growing as an institution . . . We are continuing to build more attractions and buildings which bring more people to the school.”

For the next several years Mason will be undergoing major construction throughout campus. The new buildings will provide additional housing for students, faculty, staff and guests as well as enhance the academic atmosphere of the university all while making Mason a more green campus.