George Washington University inked a deal last week to sell its Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn to Amazon Data Services.
The deal will allow the university to continue the programs there, which include cybersecurity, education, engineering, health sciences, information technology and nursing, for up to five years, school officials said.
The school did not name the buyer or disclose the amount paid for the campus. The school’s student newspaper, the GW Hatchet, confirmed that Amazon Data Services paid $427,299,350, about $3.5 million per acre for the roughly 122-acre property.
George Washington University spokesperson Julia Garbitt told the GW Hatchet that the university would not need to pay Amazon Data Services for use of the campus during the five-year window.
Amazon Data Services plans to use the site for a data or information technology center, according to the GW Hatchet, which could run into local political opposition.
Loudoun Executive Director of Economic Development Buddy Rizer told LoudounNow that “George Washington University has every right to determine the best use of its property … it’s also important to acknowledge that the Board of Supervisors has articulated a vision for this particular area that does not include data center use.”
The campus is currently zoned for office complexes, certain types of manufacturing and research and development, according to LoudounNow.
George Washington University plans to use the proceeds for a new endowment and a one-off bonus payment to certain school faculty and staff.
“The sale of VSTC is a pivotal moment for GW as we continue taking concrete steps to strengthen our foundation, align our resources with our strategic priorities for long-term financial health, and build the GW of the future,” said George Washington University President Ellen Granberg.
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.
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