In June 2024, Georgetown launched a renovation project on Healy and Copley Lawn. This utilities project is a multi-year project to replace aging underground utilities with more energy-efficient infrastructure. The renovation is occurring over multiple phases through spring 2027 and will have portions of the lawn open at all times.
We recognize that this project will have impacts on our campus community, and we encourage you to explore this landing page for the project plan and the upcoming site improvements. The utility project on Healy and Copley Lawn is part of Georgetown’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and advancing sustainability on campus, in our local community, and in our broader world. More information on the technical aspects of this project will be posted on Georgetown Energy Partner’s site.
As Georgetown invests in a sustainable future, the university commits to preserving this historic space and progressing toward a more sustainable environment for future generations.
Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Savings in Energy Usage and Operational Costs
Improved Safety and Equipment Longevity
Enhaced Reliability of Heating and Cooling Systems
Zone A: Copley Lawn Staging Area (December 2025 – spring 2026)
During this time, a small fenced section of Copley Lawn will hold materials and equipment.
Zone B: Old North Way (Summer 2025 – winter 2026)
Construction fencing is in place on Old North Way between Healy Hall and Copley Hall, with a pedestrian pathway through Old North Way.
Fencing also extends between Copley Hall and the Davis Performing Arts Center. A pedestrian path with ADA access to the Copley Crypt is in place.
Zone C: Healy Lawn (December 2025 – spring 2026)
This zone will take up much of Healy Lawn. During this time, a modified pedestrian path will be provided along Healy Hall.
In late December, crews installed construction fencing on the lawn in front of Healy Hall, established a modified ADA-compliant pedestrian path, and posted directional signage.
Zone D: Healy Circle (December 2025 – spring 2026)
This zone will surround the John Carroll statue, taking up much of the south side of Healy Circle.
Dates are subject to change as the project progresses.
Zone A: 37th and O St.(Concluded in December 2025)
The construction at 37th St. from O St. to Prospect St. completed in early December. 37th St. will remains one-way southbound between O St. and Prospect St. , in support of the Zone B work. New traffic patterns prohibit parking on 37th St. and route vehicle traffic one-way southbound.
Zone B: N St.(Late December 2025 to spring 2026)
Immediately following the conclusion of the work at 37th between N and O Sts., work began on N St. between 37th and 36th. One lane is open on N St. during this time to westbound vehicular traffic. While construction proceeds, crews will maintain pedestrian access on the north side of N St. and restrict parking on both N St. and 37th St.
Zone C: Georgetown Property (October 2025 to Spring 2026)
Utility installations in the off-street space between N St., 36th, and Prospect St. are underway and will continue through spring 2026. Impacted areas include the 9/11 Memorial garden, Wisemiller’s parking lot and the alley behind the Tombs restaurant.
Zone D: 36th Street (spring 2026 to fall 2026)
Utility installations on 36th St. between N St. and Prospect will start with trenching the west side of 36th St., followed by the east side. During this work, the vehicle traffic pattern will be a single southbound lane. While construction proceeds, crews will restrict parking on 36th St.
Zone E: Walsh/LXR Courtyard (September 2025 to winter 2026)
Construction activity in the Walsh/LXR courtyard is underway and will continue through winter 2026
The project team will notify townhouse occupants of any expected noisy work near their residence. Dates above are subject to change as the project progresses.
Construction Impacts
Construction Hours and Noise
Active construction hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Work will adhere to quiet periods of reduced noise during the hours of 7-8 a.m., Monday through Friday, 7-9 a.m. on Saturdays, and during study days and final exams. Noise may be heard during construction hours in nearby buildings.
Construction Vehicles
Construction vehicles will access the work area from the main entrance at 37th and O St. for on-campus work.
G2 Bus Pick-up/Drop-off Location Change
Due to the ongoing construction in East Campus, the G2 Metro Bus will continue its pick-up and drop-off location to 37th and Prospect St., directly in front of Lauinger Library.
Capital Bike Share Location
The 37th and O St. NW Georgetown Station for Capital Bike Share will remain accessible in its current location.
Pedestrian Impacts
Modified pathways will maintain pedestrian and ADA access between buildings. These pathways can be found on the campus map. The university will also continue implementing measures to ensure pedestrian safety.
Tree Removal
The university removed two trees in late December 2025 to support Expanded Phase III. While a professional arborist closely supervises this work, the project team will plant replacement trees during the site improvements phase.
Events
Construction will be paused during major Healy Lawn events, such as Spring Commencement, Reunion Weekend, Fall Convocation, and New Student Orientation.
Georgetown currently relies on a complex underground distribution network to supply the buildings on the Hilltop with heating, cooling, power, and water. The Central Utility Plant uses gas and electricity to produce high-pressure steam and chilled water across campus. The new system will convert existing steam equipment and distribution in the affected area to a hot water network that has less distribution and production losses, requires less energy, and can take advantage of sustainable technologies like heat recovery systems.
Existing buildings use steam directly to heat and humidify buildings and produce domestic hot water. This project will replace that steam infrastructure and energy conversion equipment and alternative humidification technology with a lower operating carbon footprint and less maintenance than the existing steam system.
The existing pipes and associated infrastructure in the affected area range from 40-100 years of age. In addition to replacing this aged infrastructure, the project will install modern pipes that feature state-of-the-art leak detection systems and insulation.
