Venerable Healy Hall is renowned on Georgetown University’s campus. The landmark building was conceived in the late 19th century by architects Paul J. Pelz and John L. Smithmeyer, who would later design the Library of Congress. Among its draws, the High Victorian Gothic structure is home to Gaston Hall, a grand, 750-seat auditorium spanning the third and fourth floors that is used for convocations, performances and even speeches by world leaders.

Over the years, the ornate venue, adorned with coats of arms and rich allegorical scenes, has undergone numerous updates. The most recent of these was orchestrated by architecture firm Hord | Coplan | Macht. “After more than a century of use, the cantilevered wood balconies had begun to show signs of fatigue,” explains project architect Pete Blum. “When occupied, they vibrated uncomfortably and visibly deflected.” Unsightly temporary posts had been installed that didn’t address the issue.

The design team’s intervention reduced vibration by replacing original iron crosses and tie rods that anchored the wooden support brackets with solid, stainless-steel fabrications. Existing wood beams were shored up for greater stability. Original carpentry, joinery and finishes were restored to match adjacent historic finishes, and a new, custom wool carpet was installed.

The project received a 2024 Merit Award from the AIA’s Northern Virginia chapter.