Multiple Construction Projects Under Way at Mason Campuses

June 14, 2006

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"From a construction standpoint, it’s going to be an exciting summer at all of the campuses at George Mason," says Tom Calhoun, vice president for Facilities.

His department has a full plate this summer, which translates into construction projects that may affect movement – pedestrian and vehicular – and parking on the campuses. The end result, of course, is improved physical facilities for Mason students.

Here's a rundown of what to expect:

Fairfax Campus
Construction Projects

• Research Building I construction will be finishing up this summer.
  
• From June 19 to August 25, Enterprise Hall will get a major facelift, with new glass installed. The first floor entrance will be closed during construction. The second floor connection between the classrooms and offices will also be closed. Plan on entering the building from the lower level or on the side nearest the Sandy Creek Parking Deck.
  
• Heating and air conditioning repairs at David King Hall have already begun. The building will remain open, with temporary cooling for various spaces within the building. Hallways may often be hot during this work.
  
• The tennis courts near Robinson Field are being overhauled. Watch for construction activity and vehicles as you walk near the PE Building, Patriot Village and the Child Development Center.

Road and Lot Closures

• Starting July 10, Nottoway River Lane just south of Patriot Circle will be closed to replace drainage pipes that go under the road. The road closure will last about 30 days; traffic will be rerouted through Lot A to Mattaponi River Lane, then to Patriot Circle.
  
• The northern portion of Lot C will be used as a staging point for the trailers that make up the new addition to the Police Station, and parking in this area will be closed. At the same time, a new electronic campus announcement sign will be installed at the intersection of Nottoway and Braddock Road. This work will require construction to occur through the southern part of Lot C. Thus, from July 10 to the beginning of classes, Lot C will often be closed.
  
• Construction on the Northeast Sector Development project continues, and Lot T will be closed for the duration of the project. Alternate parking is available in Lot E.
  
• The interior of Dominion Hall is being renovated, and parts of Lots M and E will need to be closed during the summer.

Parking Alternatives

• Paying patrons of the Aquatic and Fitness Center who have a parking pass will be permitted to park in Lot R near Potomac Heights. Sandy Creek Parking Deck is also available for parking. For those who typically park in Lot A to get to Enterprise and Innovation Halls, consider parking in the more southerly portion of the parking lot, as there will be increased traffic along the northern section.

Arlington Campus
Construction Projects

• Classrooms on the third floor of the Original Building are being renovated, and the entire floor is closed for the summer. In addition, all the air conditioning fans in the building are being replaced, and there will be periods throughout the summer when air flow within the building will be reduced. The work will be completed prior to the start of classes in the fall.
  
• The Arlington II construction, a multistory, multipurpose building on the site of the current parking lot, will likely begin in late summer or early fall. During construction, this parking lot will be closed. Parking will be available in the soon-to-be-completed George Mason University Foundation Building. Because the project will also tie together new underground parking in Arlington II with the parking under Hazel Hall, the existing parking at Hazel Hall will be closed for the duration of the new construction. Those who now park in the Hazel Hall lot must park in the Foundation Building parking garage.

Prince William Campus
Additions

• A new Transfer Center will be added in the space that was previously the Student Health Center.
  
• A new Student Health Center will be added, and the police space will be expanded with new locker rooms. Both of these projects are located on the second floor of the Occoquan Building, so disruption to the campus should be minimal.

Loudoun Site
Expansion

• The Loudoun site will see some changes to the classroom seating in the existing spaces , and the existing total square footage will almost double. The new space will contain a computer lab, four new classrooms, several new offices and a new student lounge. Construction will start within weeks and will be complete by the start of fall classes.

Look for E-alerts and other information as construction progresses. For more information, call the Facilities Administration office at 703-993-2541.

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