Construction Ahead

At their May meeting, trustees gave a preliminary go-ahead for two building projects that would add a two-story building to the Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy and add 100 guest rooms and suites to the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club.

The new Sanford Institute building would be located behind the current structure at the corner of Science Drive and Towerview Road. The existing courtyard would separate the two buildings. Currently, the Sanford Institute is at full capacity and leases about 7,500 gross square feet off campus. The new $12-million, two-story building would double the current usable square footage, from 27,000 to 54,000 square feet, and would include office space, classrooms, and a media/teleconference center. Groundbreaking could occur as early as next spring.

Besides creating approximately 100 more guest rooms and suites, the Washington Duke Inn expansion would provide additional space for conference facilities, meeting space, and kitchen, laundry, and service facilities. Renovation of existing areas would create a permanent business center, fitness center, and indoor swimming pool, and expand the lobby. The estimated cost of the project is between $25 million and $30 million, and is expected to be paid for through increased revenue.