Although University officials said the glass-enclosed Marvin Center addition was expected open Wednesday for University use, both entrances were still closed to students Wednesday night. Marvin Center employees said it would open Friday.

The atrium leads to a new entrance to the building on 21st Street.

Director of Media Relations Gretchen King said GW has an interim certificate of occupancy from the city for the addition, which means the University can use the space, but it is not fully complete.

She said some design elements, like a glass canopy, are expected to be completed in about a month to six weeks. GW should receive a permanent certificate of occupancy in the next two to four weeks, King said.

The atrium includes a gold column, a design element King said counters the otherwise “modern and streamlined” look of the addition.
She said groups have already planned events for the space, known as the Great Hall.

The renovations are part of a three-year, $20 million project begun in the Marvin Center in 1998, which included construction on the third floor, J Street and the GW Bookstore.

-Kate Stepan