Sixteen GW students living in the George Washington University Inn since the beginning of the year said they are frustrated about their living conditions and anxious to move into the former Sigma Nu house at 2028 G St.
“I’ve kind of gotten used to living in a hotel, but it’s still frustrating,” junior Brad Mewes said. “At this point, I’m trying to be patient.”
GW Property Management is still trying to pass D.C. Inspection for the house, said Michael Peller, managing director of the office of Property Management and Real Estate.
“We are trying to comply with District regulations concerning the occupation of the house,” Peller said. “It is taking longer than anticipated, (especially) the D.C. government sending their inspectors over.”
GW is still trying to bring the house up to code, and a series of inspections still need to be done, he said.
“We’ve been working on the house everyday since the start of school,” Peller said. “We have one more inspection (left).”
Peller said the approximately 16 male students who were supposed to move into the house at the beginning of the semester received e-mails notifying them of construction delays and were told they could not move in to the house.
They were offered alternative housing at Fulbright Hall, which most declined, said GW Housing Director Andrew Sonn.
“I’ve received an e-mail on my way out saying (GW was) not going to move me in, and there was one offer to move into Fulbright,” Mewes said. “But they haven’t told us when we will be moving in or what’s going on with the house”
Mewes said he recalled receiving a letter that said the house was still under construction but did not believe the school’s statement that the house was still under renovation.
The students said CLLC has not communicated with them.
“Supposedly we are supposed to move in sometime in October, but there has been a lot of rumor going around and nothing in writing,” junior Joshua Frank said.
Frank said although it is frustrating not knowing when they will be moving into the house, he will not complain.
“We get housekeeping occasionally, and the hotel treats us pretty well; but I’m anxious to move into the house and get settled,” Frank said.
Several students said they have not unpacked completely in
anticipation of moving.
“I still have boxes packed up, but in a few weeks I don’t even want to move (to a new place) just to have to leave again for winter break,” Mewes said.
The students living in the GW Inn are being charged the equivalent of a Madison double, Sonn said. Mewes said the charge is ridiculous because a Madison double includes laundry facilities, internet access and desks.
“The rooms are cramped and much smaller than a Madison double,” he said. “A hotel is meant to be lived in for a weekend, not meant to be lived in for six weeks.”
