used to stand. The area was demolished in mid-June and is now in the initial phase of redesign.

Aramark officials hope the renovations, which began in late May, will allow them to compete with area restaurants and stores. The dining service provider incurred significant financial losses last year following the introduction of the Colonial Cash system, which gives students the opportunity to use meal points at dozens of off-campus locations. Last semester, Aramark curtailed the hours of several venues and laid off several workers to offset its losses.

"We are confident that the new operational plan for the Marvin Center will allow both Aramark and GW to provide a higher level of service and selection to the community, better positioning ourselves to be competitive with outside competition," Powell said.

Michael Peller, managing director of the Marvin Center and University Conferences, said he expects construction to be completed by the end of August, even though the University is only "in the design phase" of the project.

"Every possible effort to ensure they meet the deadline that they need to is being made," Peller said.

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