(WASHINGTON, DC) –The Bowser Administration is pleased to announce that the Department of General Services (DGS) has been awarded the 2020 Trends Award in Excellence in Institutional Development by the Urban Land Institute (ULI). The prestigious award recognizes excellence in the District’s 21st Century School Modernization Program in partnership with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS).
The District’s school modernization program that occurred over the past 15 years, required a major shift in the way DGS and DCPS managed the District’s public education real estate. The modernization program, a $3.2 billion effort funded by city bonds, renovated or replaced schools across all eight wards. A primary drive of the modernization program focused on the need for teachers and students to feel more supported, through building design, resulting in higher test scores, lower energy costs and a strong sense of community.
“It is an honor to be recognized by an organization such as the Urban Land Institute which supports high standards of excellence in the use of urban land,” said Keith A. Anderson, Director of the Department of General Services. “We know that design and construction can have a direct impact on the people who occupy our finished projects. This industry acknowledgement is a testament to the dedication of our agency staff and the great working relationships among DGS, DCPS and District residents.”
Children, educators and teaching staff of the District of Columbia deserve the very best regarding their physical environments in order to support learning across all eight wards of the city. A results-driven collaboration between DGS and DC Public Schools (DCPS) garnered this important recognition from ULI.
Over the past 15 years, DGS has modernized 67 school facilities and renovated an additional 27 schools in the District. The modernization program established uniform design standards based on the latest research on how K-12 facilities can enhance the teaching and learning experience while also providing a sense of community in school neighborhoods. Standards incorporated modern educational technologies and prioritized healthy and sustainable designs with the goal of LEED Gold certification.
The ULI Washington Trends Award reflects the organization’s mission of providing leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities. The award showcases private, public and nonprofit projects that embody the most innovative and creative thinking in real estate development in the Washington regional market. The award recognizes all aspects of a project, including financing, design, project execution and market acceptance.
To view the DGS ULI Award video click this link: https://vimeo.com/490818804
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