Improvement Project

Healy LawnUtility Enhancement Project

Building a More Sustainable Energy Infrastructure for Georgetown
Healy Lawn is a renowned and historically significant area of Georgetown University and serves as the vibrant hub of student life. As a part of Georgetown Energy Partners’ work to modernize campus utilities and make them more sustainable, a construction project is underway to upgrade utilities beneath Healy Lawn, Copley Lawn, and adjacent areas. Safety is the top priority for the project team, and every effort is being made to minimize inconvenience to the university community.

Expected Completion (all phases):
Spring 2027

Project Status:
Phase 1 Construction Underway

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Project Companies
Project Elements
Project Benefits
Map of Impacted Zones
Campus Safety

Project Companies

This project was designed and funded by Georgetown Energy Partners, a joint venture of ENGIE North America and Axium Infrastructure. Riggs Distler was selected as General Contractor for the Healy Lawn Utility Enhancement Project and will manage construction. FVB Energy was selected as the Design Contractor and will continue to provide technical expertise on the conversion from steam to hot water distribution.

Project Elements

Replace thermal distribution piping.

Over a mile of aging pipes will be replaced including those that carry hot and chilled water.

Transition from steam to hot water.

This project supports a campus-wide initiative to replace the steam infrastructure that currently heats campus buildings with a hot water network. The improvements will lead to fewer distribution and production losses, require less energy, and create opportunities to integrate new sustainable technologies such as heat recovery systems.

Project Benefits

Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Savings in energy usage and operational costs

Improved safety and equipment longevity

Enhanced reliability of heating and cooling systems

Improved drainage and reduced lawn flooding after heavy rains

Zones Impacted

This multi-year project will be completed in five phases. The first two phases will be completed in the first nine months of construction. Dates and other information are subject to change.

Phase 1 – Main Entrance (June‒November 2024): A portion of Healy Circle will be closed, resulting in a partial closure of sidewalk south of the John Carroll statue. Pedestrians can use the north sidewalk.

Phase 2 – Copley Lawn (November 2024‒April 2025): Two sections of Copley Lawn will be closed for construction. The sidewalk through Copley Lawn will remain open, but the sidewalk in front of White-Gravenor Hall will be closed. A modified ADA pedestrian pathway will be in place. The section of Old North Way between Healy and Copley Halls will be closed to vehicles. A modified ADA pedestrian pathway will be in place.

Campus Safety

Members of the Georgetown community and campus visitors must stay outside project fencing at all times. Construction team members must follow all safety rules while inside the site. For urgent matters, please contact Georgetown University Police Department at (202) 687-4343.

Project Questions?

Use the contact form below to connect with the project team regarding any questions or safety concerns.