Healy and Copley Lawn Utilities Project

Toward a More Sustainable Future

Healy and Copley Lawn Utilities Enhancement Project Fencing

Project Overview

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 2028 and will have portions of the lawn open at all times.

We recognize that this project will impact the campus community, and we encourage you to explore this landing page for the project plan and 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 the local community, and in the broader world.

As of Sept. 2026, the Healy and Copley Lawn Utilities Project is on a temporary pause. The project began experiencing unforeseen delays during the second quarter of the schedule, leading to a necessary shift in the physical scope of work. During this pause, the team’s goal is to find a new path to completion that will be less impactful overall to the campus and neighboring community. No new work is expected to begin until late fall. This page will be updated with additional information on the project’s continuance once work is prepared to resume. Please direct any questions to construction@georgetown.edu.

Est. CompletionSpring 2028

Project TypeSite Utility Improvements

CampusHilltop Campus

Project Team

Contact construction@georgetown.edu for more information about this project or others at Georgetown University. Members of the media should contact media@georgetown.edu.

Project PartnersGeorgetown Energy Partners, ENGIE

ContractorRiggs Distler

Project ManagerAlex Berley

Project Benefits

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.

blue line icon of a planet and an arrow on green background — Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

blue line icon of a lightening bolt and gear on light yellow background — Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Recent Messages

Project Phases

Current Phase 3 – Expanded

Phase 3 Expanded Work Zones

Zone A: Copley Lawn Staging Area

The work in this area is complete and demobilized; it is not expected to be closed off again for any extended period.

Zone B: Old North Way

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.

This area will remain closed during the pause in work and will remain closed in some capacity for the duration of the project.

Zone C: Healy Lawn

This zone is currently demobilized and fencing has been removed; however, after the pause in work and re-evaluation, this area will close again in some capacity, but will shift towards the Launiger Library-focused area of work.

Zone D: Healy Circle

This zone is currently demobilized and fencing has been removed, but will be closed off again for work and truck access on Healy Lawn.

Dates are subject to change as the project progresses.

Current Phase: Phase 4 – East Campus Work

Construction Impacts

Zone A: 37th and O St.

The construction at 37th St. from O St. to Prospect St. was completed in early December. 37th St. was recently reopened to two-way traffic.

Zone B: N St.

This work was recently completed, and N Street is now reopened.

Zone C: Georgetown Property

Utility installations in the off-street space between N St., 36th and Prospect St. are currently demobilized but will remobilize after the pause in work and re-evaluation. Impacted areas include the 9/11 Memorial garden, Wisemiller’s parking lot and the alley behind the Tombs restaurant.

Zone D: 36th St.

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. The timing of this work will shift in schedule, which is to be determined.

Zone E: Walsh/LXR Courtyard

Temporary equipment is currently installed in the Walsh/LXR courtyard and will remain in place during the pause in work and re-evaluation.

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.

Events

Construction will be paused during major Healy Lawn events, such as Spring Commencement, Reunion Weekend, Fall Convocation and New Student Orientation.

Alternative Community Spaces

Community members are encouraged to take advantage of alternative outdoor community spaces on campus.

Site Improvements

Upon utility project completion, the following site improvements are expected as part of a restoration project:

Improve accessibility
Replace paving with consistent materials
Restrict vehicular traffic while maintaining emergency vehicle access
Unite the sub-spaces with a clear and consistent landscape palette
Improve site lighting

Rendering of Healy-Copley lawn site improvements — *Concept Design (Subject to Change)*

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Georgetown’s current underground system and how will the new energy-efficient system perform?

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.

What does “steam to hot water conversion” mean?

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.

How will the upgrades make the heating and cooling systems more reliable?

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.

What impacts caused delays in the project and why is it pausing?

During the second quarter of the project, the contractor began to encounter underground obstructions, unsuitable soils, and conditions that differed significantly from the records. As part of the pause in work, the team will re-evaluate the phasing and schedule to reduce impacts and the number of outages, bringing the new system online as efficiently as possible. The team will also conduct additional exploratory work to minimize unforeseen conditions.