Back in 2001, Georgetown was ranked No. 16 in a list of the “Most Beautiful Campuses” by the Princeton Review. In recent years, however, our university hasn’t been winning very many beauty competitions. It’s difficult to pinpoint what caused the Georgetown’s fall, but, luckily, things seem to be improving.
I can still remember my first visit to Georgetown. Walking through Healy Gates, I was greeted by the imposing clock tower of Healy Hall, the lush and expansive lawns and the Gothic architecture of Copley and White Gravenor Halls. There was an immediate sense of history and beauty that seemed to foster an environment of study, reflection and relaxation. It was the epitome of a classic, college aesthetic.
As I made my way toward the interior of the campus, however, this sentiment rapidly disintegrated. Long gone were the gargoyle gutters, the masterful masonry and the intricate designs of stained glass windows. Instead, modern, austere buildings like the Bunn Intercultural Center and Harbin Hall, with concrete facades and harsh architecture, dotted the balance of the campus.
To me, Georgetown resembled a well groomed salesman, putting its best face forward to hide its unseemly interior.
Fortunately, much has changed since then. The construction of the Davis Performing Arts Center in 2005 and, more dramatically, the completion of the Southwest Quad complex in 2005 have both been successful large-scale projects that have redefined our university’s function and, perhaps more importantly, its form.
We should take pride in our university’s efforts to redefine the look of our campus through major new construction projects. But we should not forget that there have been many smaller projects that have also enhanced the quality of life on campus, if only subtly.
The recently completed patio by the Reiss Science Building, made possible by a donation from the senior class gift of the Class of 2006, has made that area more inviting and provides students with much-needed space to simply sit, study and relax outdoors. Additionally, the redevelopment around Yates Field House last year not only created a better and safer route for vehicular access, but also cleaned up this previously ill-maintained area.
And progress doesn’t seem to be letting up any time soon. The construction of the new McDonough School of Business center will also bring important improvements to the campus, providing not only access to the underutilized Leavey Esplanade, but also maintaining a cohesive structural design that will unify the campus architecturally.
More importantly, the location on which the business school is being constructed represents the last parcel of open land on campus. Therefore, all future on-campus development will consist of renewal and redevelopment. This presents exciting opportunities to further enhance our campus’ aesthetics.
As each year passes, it is exhilarating to witness Georgetown’s growth as it recovers from its earlier development disasters. The future of the campus is bright as we move one step forward in reclaiming our position as one of the most beautiful colleges.
Scott Schoenhaus is a senior in the College.
