Georgetown University
Copley Crypt & St. William Chapel
Located within Georgetown University’s historic Copley Hall, the Copley Crypt Chapel and St. William Chapel are cherished worship and gathering spaces that serve students, faculty, alumni, and the broader campus community. The Copley Crypt Chapel, established in 1932 in the building’s basement, hosts liturgical services and weekly Catholic Mass. Directly above it, St. William Chapel provides a larger venue for services, weddings, and special events.
Mueller partnered with GBR Architects to modernize both chapels through a two-phase renovation program focused on improving comfort, accessibility, and long-term preservation while upholding the architectural integrity and contemplative character of these sacred environments.
Engineering Systems that Respect History and Support Prayerful Spaces
The project required meticulous coordination because both chapels are located in historic spaces with stone walls, intricate flooring, stained glass, and centuries-old finishes. Mueller designed new mechanical and electrical systems that seamlessly integrate into the existing fabric while remaining acoustically unobtrusive, maintaining an atmosphere suitable for prayer, meditation, and worship.
Key upgrades included:
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Replacement of the existing HVAC system with high-efficiency equipment tailored to the chapels’ unique architectural and acoustic needs
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Lighting and lighting control improvements, enhancing worship experiences while reducing energy use
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Modifications to the electrical distribution to support updated systems and modern program requirements
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Interior and exterior renovations, including restoration of stained glass, flooring, windows, and roofing
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Accessibility improvements, such as reconfigured ramps and circulation routes
Precision Routing and Preservation-Focused Engineering
The engineering work within the Copley Crypt Chapel posed distinct challenges due to the historic stone construction. Mueller’s team carefully routed piping beneath stone walls and floors to avoid structural disturbance—an approach requiring precision planning and close collaboration with preservation specialists. Maintaining low system noise was equally essential to ensure that mechanical equipment would not detract from the chapels’ intimate and reflective environment.
Sustaining Georgetown’s Heritage for Future Generations
Through thoughtful design and preservation-focused engineering, the upgraded systems support the chapels’ ongoing use as sacred spaces while increasing comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency. The project exemplifies Mueller’s expertise in integrating modern building systems into historically significant environments with minimal visible impact, protecting the past while enhancing the experience for today’s campus community.
Consulting Services
- HVAC Systems
- Electrical Power
- Historic Preservation
- Lighting Design
Architect
GBR Architects
Client History
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2024
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2024
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