University leaders celebrate groundbreaking for Henle Village renovation - The Georgetown Voice

Georgetown University celebrates groundbreaking for the renovation of Henle Village, aiming to beautify campus and provide more student housing.

Georgetown University recently held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tondorf Road to celebrate the start of construction for the renovation of Henle Village. The event brought together university staff, construction workers, engineers, and students who used ceremonial shovels to symbolically turn over the soil. This marked the beginning of the construction phase after the demolition of the old complex, which began in June, was completed.

The Henle replacement project is significant as it will be the first implementation of the Campus Plan's "student life corridor" concept. This concept involves a series of construction projects that focus on academic, housing, and pedestrian infrastructure. The corridor will span from Tondorf Road to the Leo J. O'Donovan Dining Hall to St. Mary's Hall. The aim of this initiative is to enhance the north side of campus, reduce the need for off-campus housing, and create environments that promote student wellness. The university expects to finish the construction of the new apartment-style complex by the summer of 2025.

The new dormitory will offer 780 beds, which is an increase of 312 beds compared to the previous capacity of Henle Village. Additionally, it will provide 15,000 square feet of space for studying, recreation, and wellness activities. These plans exceed the university's target of adding 244 beds between 2017 and 2036.

Nico Hohman, Senior Project Manager for Georgetown University Capital Projects, expressed excitement about the addition of new beds on campus. He emphasized the importance of meeting the goals outlined in the Campus Plan and the positive impact it will have on students. Hohman also highlighted the unique design of the community space on the first floor of the west building, which will include a prayer and meditation room, a fitness center, and offices for Counseling and Psychiatric Services. The renderings of the community space depict study areas, skylights, and living green walls, making it a standout feature on campus.

Sustainability is a key focus of the dormitory's design. The construction will incorporate various innovative choices to promote campus sustainability, such as improved heat management techniques, rainwater collection systems, and solar panels. David Green, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, mentioned these environmentally-friendly features in his speech and emphasized the university's commitment to obtaining LEED Platinum certification for the dormitory. LEED Platinum is the highest level of certification awarded to buildings that prioritize energy and water efficiency, minimize local environmental impact, and use sustainable construction materials.

Camber Vincent, the President of the Georgetown University Student Association (GUSA), spoke on behalf of the student body. Vincent praised the incorporation of student ideas and continuous feedback throughout the project's development. He expressed his excitement about the new Henle's design and features, with the only disappointment being that he won't personally get to experience the yoga room as he will have graduated by the time it is completed.

Ron Lewis, chair of Georgetown's Advisory Neighborhood Commission, highlighted the collaborative planning process behind the Henle replacement project. He stressed the involvement of neighbors in the planning stages and expressed satisfaction with the results achieved through consensus-driven decision-making.

The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with a prayer led by Rev. Ebony Grisom, director of Protestant Life, to bless the grounds. Grisom prayed for the project to be completed on time and within budget, and for patience among the community members during the construction process. The university staff acknowledged the potential disruptions caused by the construction and urged everyone to approach the inconveniences with patience and understanding.

Overall, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Henle Village renovation marked an important milestone for Georgetown University. The project aligns with the university's long-term vision outlined in the Campus Plan and aims to enhance student life, promote sustainability, and create a vibrant and inclusive campus environment.

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