Catholic University of America Pryzbyla Center

With its exposed structure, light-filled atrium and spacious interior, the new Pryzbyla Center is an exciting and major architectural addition to the university ... one that will quickly become the university's flagship building and an important center of campus life.

Gregory K. Hunt, FAIA, Former Dean, School of Architecture and Planning, The Catholic University

Location:

Washington, D.C.

Client:

The Catholic University of America

Architect:

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

Size:

102,000 Square Feet

Year Completed:

2003

Sector:

Education

Expertise:

Preconstruction

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The Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center provides a central gathering space for the Catholic University of America (CUA) community and campus visitors. The mixed-use building is home to numerous student organizations, the Office of Undergraduate Studies and the Dean of Students, the Student Restaurant and Food Court, the CUA Bookstore, a Starbucks, and the campus convenience store. Additionally, CUA can host numerous large public events, including concerts, public forums, and lectures, in the space.

Known as "The Pryz" on campus, the 102,000 square-foot Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center is cast-in-place concrete and structural steel and the façade is brick, cast stone sills, glazed aluminum curtain wall, and aluminum storefronts. The interior includes clay-colored brick and tile, exposed concrete, and natural millwork and ceiling panels. The Clark team built out spaces for a fully-integrated campus information center, an atrium lounge, a ballroom that seats 1,000 for a lecture or 600 for a sit-down dinner, six meeting rooms, a food court, convenience shop, student organization office and meeting spaces, student life offices, and an outdoor campus commons.

Clark provided preconstruction services, which included constructability reviews, and detailed budgeting. Clark’s value engineering suggestions, which were ultimately accepted by CUA, equated to $1.2 million in savings.