Development Report:
Charles E. Smith Center Renovations Underway

Architectural concept rendering, by Gensler, of the transformed Charles E. Smith Center.

Thanks to the $10 million challenge commitment by the Robert H. Smith and Charles E. Smith Family Foundations and Robert P. and Arlene R. Kogod,
combined with the $4.5 million contributed to date in support of the challenge, the transformation of the
Charles E. Smith Center is well underway.

“This facility offers so much to our entire community as a venue for sports, concerts, information fairs, convocations and many other special events,” says GW trustee I. Allan From,
B.B.A. ’72, a major donor to the project. “My support for the renovation reflects my pride in my alma mater and my strong commitment to GW’s future success.”

The University is in the midst of a $25 million effort to secure philanthropic support
for the project. In addition to the Smith and Kogod families, other major donors include the David and Abbie Friedman Family Foundation—a “hall of fame” will be named in
recognition of this gift—and GW trustee Mark V. Hughes, B.A. ’69, M.S. ’77, and Susan
Dekelboum Hughes. The late Charles E. Smith, Hon. D.P.S. ’79, a GW trustee,
provided the initial gift to build the facility in 1975. His children and grandchildren,
who include members of the Smith and Kogod families, are continuing his spirit
of philanthropy.

The renovation is a threephase process and work on the first two phases is currently
in progress. The majority of the interior transformation of the Charles E. Smith Center
will be completed this summer so that demolition and construction will not interfere with academic year activities. This work transforms the lower level President’s Clubs, natatorium, locker areas, aerobic training, and weight room facilities. Other areas being renovated include the arena and third-floor Athletic Director’s Club. Build-out of the new Colonials Club, student-athlete academic center and additional storage space for operations are also scheduled for this summer.

Phase three construction will add a new concession concourse and transform the
exterior façades. Upgraded areas are the VIP and student entrances, box office, the
22nd Street entry and the daily entrance at 22nd and G streets. Phase three is scheduled to be completed by early 2011.

For information about ways to support the facility’s renovation, contact Dan Rocha at 202-994-9366 or drocha@gwu.edu.

Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu