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The Catholic University of America celebrated the opening of The Edward J. Przybyla University Center, a mixed-use facility named after the University’s most generous benefactor. Clark Construction Group, LLC served as general contractor on the $27 million project.
At the dedication ceremony, University President Rev. David M. O’Connell said, “With this newest facility, the community that is The Catholic University of America has a place to gather, a ‘living room’ for all us to share our campus life together, different from a classroom, library or lab; different from a residence or dining hall; different still from the old University Center. We no longer have to go somewhere else ‘just to hang out.’ We now have a place to call our own.”
Designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., the 104,000-square-foot building features cast-in-place concrete and structural steel. Primary facade materials are brick, cast stone sills, glazed aluminum curtain wall, aluminum storefronts and metal-framed skylights. The interior includes clay-colored brick and tile, exposed concrete and natural wood millwork and ceiling panels.
Located between the Columbus School of Law and Hannan and McMahon Halls, the center contains a fully integrated campus information center, atrium lounge, ballroom capable of seating 450 people for meals and 800 for lectures, nine meeting rooms, food court, dining services, campus bookstore, convenience shop, offices and an outdoor campus commons.
In addition to Clark and the architect, the project team included Cagley Harman & Associates of King of Prussia, Pa., structural engineer; Flack + Kurtz Inc. of New York, mechanical/electrical engineer; Alpha Corporation of Dulles, Va., civil engineer; and Thomas Ricca Associates of Darnestown, Md., food service consultant.
Clark Construction Group, LLC is headquartered in Bethesda, Md.
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