111 Massachusetts Avenue NW

Overview

Georgetown University revitalized an eight-story building in downtown Washington, D.C., to create a dynamic, multifunctional space that strengthens its presence and connection to its Hilltop campus.

Our team supported the full renovation of this over 310,000 square foot facility, which now includes modern academic and administrative spaces designed for flexibility and collaboration. The renovated building features classrooms, faculty and administrative offices, dry labs, student lounges and study areas, student support services, and public-facing amenities such as a café, bookstore, and childcare center. The building now serves as a vital hub for Georgetown's expanding downtown footprint.

Our Approach

We provided design-assist HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and controls services throughout the building's interior retrofit. Navigating the project's structural constraints and historic requirements, we focused on collaboration, innovation, and prefabrication to drive efficiency and meet the project's goals. Our approach included:

• Early collaboration: We worked closely with the mechanical engineer of record to validate and adapt HVAC and plumbing system designs to align with the existing structure.
• Prefabricated vertical shafts: Since the building's exterior couldn't be modified, we prefabricated two vertical shafts in two sections each, which were installed through a rooftop opening. Each shaft housed HVAC, plumbing, gas lines, and pre-insulated piping. This cut installation time in half.
• 3D scanning for system redesign: The existing waffle slab limited allowable penetrations and created layout challenges. We used 3D laser scanning to model the space and redesign mechanical systems to fit within those restrictions.
• Innovative plumbing solution: When we discovered that the basement plumbing systems were inoperable, we installed a sanitary vacuum system to extract water from the existing pipes without structural impact.

Result

The project was completed in June 2025. Our approach allowed us to overcome significant structural constraints while accelerating the construction schedule and reducing onsite labor.

By delivering a full mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and controls retrofit tailored to the existing building conditions, we helped Georgetown University create a flexible, forward-thinking facility that supports academic growth, collaboration, and connectivity in the heart of downtown D.C.