George Washington Hall
Over winter break, GW Hall was assessed for prior water damage, resulting in maintenance and repairs to several offices. The concern began in early December 2023 with three offices on the second floor. As these offices were placed under containment for mold remediation, Facilities and Emergency Management and Safety coordinated with an environmental engineering firm for guidance on conducting indoor air quality sampling and remedial efforts for the spaces impacted in GW Hall. Additional spaces were noted for repairs and remediation, mainly on the third and second floors, as well as the basement. Containment of the spaces helps ensure the safety of building occupants and of those performing remedial work.
The details of the work needed depend on the office location, as the impacts to the building originate with roof leaks that have resulted in water damage on the third floor and HVAC issues that are consistent across the third floor and some of the second floor.
UMW is following EPA guidelines for microbial remediation in schools and commercial buildings for indoor air quality, and testing has shown that the first floor and Dodd Auditorium remain within normal levels. Dodd Auditorium is serviced by a separate HVAC system from individual offices.
The first floor, Dodd Auditorium, and accessible restrooms in the basement are open. The balcony of Dodd Auditorium also remains open to Dodd staff to facilitate events.
Offices impacted by the work have options to work remotely in coordination with supervisors, requesting a rotating office arrangement or hot desk, or be moved to a long-term temporary location on campus. Many of the offices have been moved to South Hall, which is open following the UMW Police & Public Safety move to Eagle Village.
The project to replace fan-coil units in the HVAC systems in GW Hall– a source of the water damage – and repair areas damaged, continues through the spring semester and into the summer months.