George Washington’s Charles E. Smith Center will receive a facelift thanks to a $10 million gift from the Robert H. Smith and Charles E. Smith Family Foundations and Robert and Arlene Kogod.

The university plans to raise an additional $15 million to help pay for the renovation of the 32-year-old arena. The lead gift from the Smith-Kogod families is the largest commitment in school history.

The interior upgrades will feature an academic center for student-athletes, improved general admission and club seating in the basketball arena, new locker rooms, remodeled office space to centralize athletic operations, enhanced athletic training and weight room facilities, and a renovated natatorium. The exterior changes include a dynamic new main entrance, which will present a revitalized box office and concession concourse, and a new VIP entrance. The renovation project is expected to take three years, during which time the building will remain open without interruption of planned events.

The arena houses the athletics department and classrooms in addition to the main arena.

“The Smith Center has always been a source of pride to our family because it promotes healthy minds and bodies, as well as the spirit of community, which were hallmarks of my father's life and work," said Robert H. Smith, chairman of several Charles E. Smith real estate companies. "This transformational renovation of the Charles E. Smith Center will create a signature building, in both its architecture and function, in the heart of the (George Washington) campus. It furthers my father's original vision and speaks to our commitment to (George Washington) and its future success."

Charles E Smith served as a trustee at the school from 1967 to 1976. Robert H. Smith served on the board from 1978 to 1997. David Bruce Smith, a graduate of the school and son of Robert H. Smith, is a trustee now.