Updated: Aug. 19, 2024, at 6:34 p.m.
Officials renovated at least four buildings across GW’s campuses this summer.
Officials renovated and expanded offerings at the Lerner Health and Wellness Center and the Eatery at Pelham Commons, and upgraded HVAC systems in the University Student Center and Gelman Library. The Lerner and Pelham renovations follow student complaints of limited exercise equipment and dining options, respectively, while officials worked on Gelman and the student center as part of larger remodeling plans.
University spokesperson Julia Metjian said in April that Pelham, the only dining hall on the Mount Vernon Campus, would undergo renovations in May to add additional food serving stations and options for students. She said the renovations would provide the same “visual appeal” as the dining halls in Thurston and Shenkman halls and will include “extended offerings” like a “Just Walk-Out Market” to allow students to purchase food during all hours of the day.
Vern residents in April reported a lack of nutritious options in Pelham, which prompted some students to travel to Foggy Bottom to eat. A University spokesperson did not return a request for comment on when the “Just Walk-Out Market” would be available to students and what the new food offerings will include.
Officials said in June they would renovate Lerner later that month to replace flooring in the main fitness center and address student requests for mirror installations and a replacement of the indoor track. A University spokesperson at the time said officials would add new equipment throughout the facility and install mirrors on the P3 level.
In 2022, officials closed Lerner for five months for HVAC upgrades and said the renovation could include new equipment, but students said they did not identify any physical changes to the space after its reopening in November 2022. A University spokesperson did not return a request for comment on whether the renovations are complete and what new equipment officials added to the facility.
Officials closed Gelman from late May to early August for HVAC repairs, which they announced in a February email to community members. In the message, Dean of GW Libraries and Academic Innovation Geneva Henry and Interim Vice President for Safety and Facilities Baxter Goodly said the repairs were part of a wider maintenance project to create a more “sustainable and comfortable” environment in the library, which officials expect to complete in 2026.
A University spokesperson did not return a request for comment on the current status of the Gelman upgrades and whether officials plan to make additional updates to the building’s infrastructure this year.
Officials also removed a number of counters in the central delivery pick-up area at the Mail and Package Center in the Support Building on F Street. Metjian said in July that GW regularly updates the University’s package and mail system to offer the “best service” to GW community members, and that the University will add lockers to the mailroom this fall.
Officials announced in an Aug. 15 email that they had temporarily removed mail lockers in the Shenkman Hall lobby and that officials would install new lockers in the near future.
In July, officials installed D.C.’s first smart food waste bin in Kogan Plaza, which will allow students to dispose of their compostable food waste and other organic materials in an eco-friendly manner. Before the bin’s installment, student volunteers collected compost in Kogan Plaza five days a week for three hours.
Sustainability Associate Colin O’Brien said in a July GW Today release the University may add additional bins around campus in the future if students use the bin in Kogan.
A University spokesperson declined to comment on the status of roofing renovations to Rome Hall and the student center, which officials said they would begin in July.
This post has been updated to correct the following:
The Hatchet incorrectly reported that officials expanded offerings at the University Student Center. Officials upgraded the HVAC system in the building. We regret this error.
