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 is committed to preserving this historic space and progressing toward a more sustainable environment for future generations.
See current and upcoming phases below. Proposed closures are indicated in pink. Stay tuned for updates on future phases. Please note that information is subject to change.
Zone A: Healy Circle and Partial Copley Lawn (Summer 2025 – November 2025)
This zone surrounds the John Carroll statue, taking up much of Healy Circle, and covers the south portion of Copley Lawn. During this time, the John Carroll statue will be fenced off.
Zone B: Old North Way (Summer 2025 – September 2026)
The construction fencing on Old North Way between Healy Hall and Copley Hall will remain in place until late 2026. The pedestrian pathway will continue to be available through Old North Way. Zone B began expanding from Old North Road between Healy and Copley, into the space between Copley and the Davis Performing Arts Center in mid-September 2025.
Zone C: Lane Closure of 37th St. from O St. to Prospect St. (Summer 2025 – November 2025)
Starting June 30, for approximately 12 weeks, this section of 37th St. will be reduced to a single lane heading southbound. Parking in this area will be out of service during this time. Traffic delays are expected as a result of this single lane closure.
Zone D: Copley Lawn (September 2025 – November 2025)
During this time, a section of Copley Lawn in addition to the east corner of Red Square will be fenced off.
Zone A: Copley Lawn Staging Area (Summer 2025 – Winter 2026)
During this time, the fencing previously installed on Copley Lawn will be reduced to store materials and equipment.
Zone B: Old North Way (Summer 2025 – Winter 2026)
The construction fencing on Old North Way between Healy Hall and Copley Hall will remain in place until late 2026. The pedestrian pathway will continue to be available through Old North Way.
Zone B began expanding from Old North Road between Healy and Copley, into the space between Copley and the Davis Performing Arts Center in mid-September 2025.
During this time, the pedestrian path has been modified. A new path is provided alongside Healy Hall on Old North Way, in addition to the extension of the existing path with ADA access to the Copley Crypt.
Zone C: Healy Lawn (December 2025 – Spring 2026)
This zone will take up much of Healy Lawn. During this time, the pedestrian path will be modified along Healy Hall, with ADA access provided.
Zone D: Healy Circle (November 2025 – Spring 2026)
This zone will continue to surround the John Carroll statue, taking up much of the south side of Healy Circle. The South side of Healy Circle will be fenced off during this time.
Dates are subject to change as the project progresses.
The current construction at 37th St. from O St. to Prospect St. will end in late November. A single lane of southbound vehicle traffic will remain open on 37th St. after construction concludes, in support of the Zone B work. Parking will be restricted on 37th St. while vehicle traffic is a single lane southbound.
Zone B: N St.(late November to Spring 2026)
Immediately following the conclusion of the work at 37th and O St., work will begin on N St. between 37th and 36th. One lane will be open on N St. during this time to westbound vehicular traffic. Pedestrian access will be maintained on the north side of N St. A single lane of southbound traffic will be maintained on 37th St. Parking will be restricted on N St. and 37th St. while construction proceeds.
Zone C: Georgetown Property (October 2025 to Spring 2026)
As shown on the above map, utility installations in the off-street space between N St., 36th, and Prospect St. are under way and will continue through spring of 2026. Impacted areas include the Wisemiller’s parking lot and the alley behind the Tombs restaurant.
Zone D: 36th Street (January 2026 to Spring 2026)
Utility installations in 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. Parking will be restricted on 36th St. while construction proceeds.
Zone E: Walsh/LXR Courtyard (September 2025 to Winter 2026)
Construction activity in the Walsh/LXR courtyard is under way and will continue through spring of 2026.
Occupants of townhouses will be notified of any noisy work that can be expected near their residence. Dates above are subject to change as the project progresses.
Construction Impacts
Construction Hours and Noise
Construction hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Construction 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
Pedestrian and ADA access between buildings will be maintained with modified pathways. These pathways can be found on the campus map. Measures will continue to be taken to promote pedestrian safety.
Tree Removal
In late November 2025, we will be removing two trees in support of Expanded Phase III. These removals are being performed under the close supervision of a professional arborist. New trees will be planted during the site improvements phase of the project.
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.
