GMU Arlington Campus, Phase II

How do you ensure a challenging project stays the course? By providing an education in effective coordination.

Project Highlights

• EKFox’s second LEED®-certified NC higher-education project
• Seven-story, 250,000 square-foot building on a small urban footprint
• Innovative critical power solution

Project Challenges

In a tightly constructed urban environment, the power source of an adjacent property flowed through the garage of the George Mason University’s Arlington campus construction site. One of the critical tasks for EKFox was to design a ventilation system for the four-level basement that would enable the adjacent property’s utilities to remain operational through construction. This was just one of the many challenges in this multifaceted project.

Overcoming the Challenges

EKFox was chosen for this project to step in and shepherd the design to completion after conceptual design had been finished. EKFox was able to ensure positive results while assisting with various aspects of the building beyond the garage, including the classrooms, auditoriums, cafe, TV studio, and common spaces.

The cornerstone of this successful project was keeping the project on-track through close coordination with various stakeholders. With designated funds set years in advance, EKFox was able to adapt to the continuously evolving needs of the users’ technology updates and energy conservation requirements. Upon completion, this project was Certified LEED® under the New Construction Version 2.2 category. The GMU Arlington Campus stands as one of the most vibrant spots on the block, a facility that visibly captures the energetic academic environment. EKFox was intimately involved in realizing the vision of this gleaming academic structure.

“Contributing to the ongoing development of centers for learning is a key element of our corporate values.”
—Blair A. Jost, P.E. – President