Title: New Residence Hall to be Built Near Northeast Hub of Campus

Georgetown announced today that plans are underway to construct a new 250-bed residence hall on the northeast side of campus near the Reiss Science Building.

The goal is to build a facility with living, classroom and contemplative spaces, according to Robin Morey, vice president for planning and facilities management at Georgetown.

While still in the early stages, the university’s board of directors approved the Northeast Triangle Residence Hall’s first design last month, and Morey says he hopes construction can begin in spring 2014.

Working With the Community

Plans for the new residence hall arose out of the university’s inclusive master planning process and in consultation with the Georgetown Community Partnership. The building advances the shared goal of the university and the community to enhance the main campus’ residential living and learning community.

The initiation of the design for the residence hall reflects the university’s commitment to relocate 450 students from the community on campus.

Another project, Magis Row, is scheduled for completion this summer, and will bring 65 students back to campus this fall. The university will also move an additional 385 students out of adjacent neighborhoods by Fall 2015.

Selecting the Space

Campus surveys completed by members of the university community indicated a significant amount of pedestrian traffic in the Northeast Triangle area, making it an ideal site for a student residence, Morey says.

“We’re going to need a combination of sites for residence halls to meet our campus plan commitment, and this building represents a major step toward that goal,” he adds. “We selected the Northeast Triangle to bring a little more energy to the north side of campus and a little more balance in terms of student population.”

Living and Learning Environment

Stephanie Lynch, Georgetown’s assistant dean for residential living, says the new residence hall will complement the university’s learning environment.

“Georgetown’s academic mission is paramount,” Lynch says. “Developing a premier residential living and learning experience requires the physical and educational environment to work in harmony.”

Glass walls in the new residence are designed to create an open environment, inviting visitors to the ground floor’s active social and educational spaces. Lounges and breakout rooms will provide space for on-campus activities and expand opportunities for academic engagement outside the classroom.

The residence hall’s southern courtyard is designed to be a relaxing outdoor gathering spot. Green terraces along the northeastern side of the building will offer a quiet contemplative space for students, faculty and staff.

Transforming Campus

The new residence hall, which will seek the environmental LEED Gold rating, is just one of the university’s projects created to transform the campus living experience.

Construction begins this month on the Healey Family Student Center, which will feature a pub, lounge and study spaces, dance studios and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Potomac River. The student center is scheduled for completion in August 2014.

“These projects are essential to the life of the main campus,” Morey says. “I look forward to sharing our progress with the campus and the community at Planning 201 sessions this fall.”