GW’s Square 54 Gets Ready
20 05 2008The old GWU Hospital site by Washington Circle has sat empty for the last four years, but now the developers are finally ready to start moving dirt. The mixed use development called Square 54 will have housing, offices, and most importantly a grocery store.
The project, designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects and Sasaki and Associates, is definitely not going to win any awards for architectural excellence. We are especially curious about the street level of the design, which uses a different material than the rest of the building, and looks a little strange to us.
Though there isn’t any student housing in the project, the kids from GW must be super excited for the planed grocery, though probably only the freshman will get to benefit because the project isn’t scheduled to be complete till 2012. Guess they will have to make due with the lame Watergate Safeway for the time being. [Rendering: Pelli Clarke Pelli]
Actually the Trader Joe’s is nearby and well frequented by GW undergrads.
The Trader Joe’s doesn’t have any real meat or fish counter, and their produce is very limited, for any real grocery shoping we always have to go to the “Soviet Safeway”
Trust me - the students are definitely not excited about this building. As a graduate student at GWU, I know many undergrads whom have prayed that one day, their money would convert the coveted “Lot 54″ into a student-focused space. It’s got a great location and could be especially useful for teaching or community space due to its proximity to the hospital, the dorms, and the library. This is an especially touchy subject considering GW is one of the most expensive schools in the country and many within the school believe the administration to be investing against the wishes (interests) of its students. By transforming one of the most desired lots in Washington, DC into commercial and office space, it is seen as a slap in the face to many current students and alumni of GW. There are already a TON of amenities in the neighborhood, and students think GW is just looking to make a quick buck rather than add to the social, educational, and human capital of the school.
that Square 54 building looks like every other glass walled building being built these days. don’t any architects want to take some chances?
I agree, it looks like plenty of other buildings in DC and in some of the suburban areas around town. They need to try something new. I mean, it looks fine, and I personally like that the ground level utilizes a different look than the rest of the building, but it would be nice to get some more variety. The school could have used the land to build something a bit different looking and for housing or lab/classroom space. The grocery store is a nice addition though.
I agree with all of the above. The sameness of the acrhitecture of these building is mind-numbing.
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