Structure type Underground Opened 1 December 1979 Platforms in use 2 | Disabled access Yes Bicycle facilities 12 Tracks 2 | |
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Location 3600 Fairfax DriveArlington, VA 22201 Address Arlington, VA, United States Previous names Virginia Square (1979–1985) Similar Ballston–MU station, Clarendon station, Cheverly station, West Falls Church station, Deanwood station | ||
Virginia Square–GMU is a side platformed Washington Metro station in the Virginia Square neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia, United States. The station opened on December 1, 1979, and is operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The station serves the Orange and Silver Lines. The station serves the Virginia Square neighborhood as well as the Arlington campus of George Mason University (GMU). The station entrance is located at the intersection of Fairfax Drive and North Monroe Street.
History
Originally to be called Ballston, in March 1977 the Metro board officially changed its name to Virginia Square. Its name was changed due to its location at the since-demolished Virginia Square Shopping Center. After several years of construction, the station opened on December 1, 1979. Its opening coincided with the completion of approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) of rail west of the Rosslyn station and the opening of the Court House, Clarendon and Ballston stations.
Known originally as simply Virginia Square, in July 1985 the Metro board voted unanimously to rename the station Virginia Square–GMU, with the "GMU" standing for the adjacent, Arlington campus of George Mason University. Arlington County paid the $50,000 required for the change..