CAIRO, Egypt – Ground was broken the week of February 3, 2003 on the site of the new American University of Cairo campus. Ellerbe Becket is part of an international design team charged with building an entire campus from scratch in New Cairo, some 20 miles east of the university's present location in downtown Cairo.

Sasaki/CDC is the prime architect for the two million sq. ft. campus. Ellerbe Becket will be responsible for athletic facilities, both indoor and outdoor. The facilities will include a swimming pool, squash courts, large gymnasium, fitness and weight training areas and a multipurpose room for wrestling and judo.

Mrs. Hosni Mubarek, wife of the Egyptian President, is the chairperson for the fundraising committee. Mrs. Mubarek is a graduate of the school.

The project is currently in design, with construction to start in 2004 and completion slated for 2007. Ellerbe Becket's Washington, D.C. and Cairo offices will handle design and production.

Contact: news@ellerbebecket.com