George Mason University’s new Arlington-based innovation hub, Fuse at Mason Square, is officially open.
But students will have to wait a little longer to use it.
The university today (Friday) held a commercial launch for the nine-story building, which features specialized labs for robotics, virtual reality and data visualization, as well as office spaces, retail, co-working areas and classrooms.
“This is a place where learning and discovery meet, where scholars, students, researchers, policy makers, businesses and entrepreneurs will converge and collaborate to expedite the pace of change and economic growth in this region,” GMU President Gregory Washington told attendees.
The 345,000-square-foot building at 3351 Fairfax Drive broke ground in January 2022, replacing the old Kann’s Department Store which was demolished in March 2021. Last fall, the university celebrated the building’s “topping out” with tours of the facility.
Despite the grand opening, construction is still ongoing, with a full build-out expected by June 1, 2025, according to a press release. About 60% of the building will be used for university programs, with the rest leased to retail and private offices.
A university spokesperson said 75% of the available space has been leased to commercial tenants, but classrooms and labs are still under construction. The university declined to name the tenants that have signed contracts, citing confidentiality agreements.
The roughly $254 million building will house GMU’s Institute for Digital Innovation and its new School of Computing, offering courses in artificial intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity.
The project supports Virginia’s Tech Talent Investment Program, a 20-year initiative aimed at producing 25,000 additional tech graduates. GMU has committed to graduating 2,277 bachelor’s and 5,328 master’s degree holders as part of the program.
“Arlington, you better get ready,” Washington said. “You not not prepared for the outcomes that you’re going to see coming out of this facility and out of this place.”
Several thousands students are expected to being using the building in the fall.
The Virginia Square GMU campus is already home to several schools, including those focused on policy, law, conflict resolution and business. One of the university’s most notable students is U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.), who, at 73, is pursuing a master’s degree in machine learning to deepen his understanding of artificial intelligence and its policy implications.
Beyer highlighted the Fuse building’s potential to inspire innovation, attract businesses and create economic opportunities in Northern Virginia and Arlington County in particular.
“The thing that I think is so cool, though, is the whole notion of Fuse — bringing together disparate disciplines and ideas, and matching up with [the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency] … and Boeing and all the other amazing resources we have here,” he told attendees.
Ryan Touhill, director of Arlington Economic Development, said the opening of the Fuse comes at an important time, as Arlington County this year approved a new economic development strategy that emphasizes tech’s importance.
“This innovation campus will inspire entrepreneurs, attract companies and generate economic opportunity for everyone who calls Northern Virginia home,” he said.
