The George Washington University has launched the first phase of its plans for 2001 Pennsylvania Avenue (2001 Penn). The project represents a significant step in GW’s long-term real estate and campus planning strategy, providing much-needed flexibility to address current space challenges while laying the groundwork for future growth and financial sustainability.
The first phase of occupying 2001 Penn will begin this year and continue into 2027, focusing on co-locating several administrative units there. This move will allow GW to terminate several leases over the next five years, which will significantly reduce long-term operating expenses. As academic and student-facing spaces are currently at a premium, relocating administrative offices to 2001 Penn will also open up additional campus resources for students and faculty, creating much-desired room for growth.
“The 2001 Pennsylvania Avenue project reflects a thoughtful approach to how we use space to support our mission,” said CFO Bruno Fernandes. “By consolidating administrative offices in university-owned property, we are reducing long-term costs, enhancing the collaboration among our leadership teams, and creating much-needed flexibility on campus. This move opens new space for student life, academics, and essential maintenance, ensuring that the core of our campus continues to serve our teaching, learning, and research missions.”
The property, which sits across James Monroe Park on the opposite side of the Western Market building, will provide an accessible and prominent home close to the heart of campus. Crucially, the new location also allows for vacated campus spaces to be repurposed for academics and student life, as well as provide currently unavailable swing space to support the maintenance and future renovations of academic and administrative buildings.
Administrative units to be relocated to 2001 Penn include the offices of the President, Provost, Chief Financial Officer, General Counsel, Communications and Marketing, and Government and Community Relations, as well as University Advancement. The Office of the Board of Trustees relocated there in November 2025 following the expiration of the lease on its former office. Following Phase 1, GW will occupy about 40 percent of 2001 Penn. Another 25 percent will become available by 2028, with the remainder becoming available over the next several years. “Planning for additional GW uses of 2001 Penn will be handled through regular administrative processes,” said Fernandes, “and we will engage the community in this planning. 2001 Penn and the vacated campus spaces present so many opportunities for GW.”