New Project Creates Updated Learning Spaces at Villa Le Balze

Start Date: May 2025
End Date: September 2025
Project Status: Active Construction
Operations: No on-site activities
Visits: By appointment only

Description

Built in 1912 and donated to Georgetown University in 1979, Villa Le Balze has hosted hundreds of students as they study and explore the world through a global lens.  For the majority of its time as a study center, the Villa has hosted students living and studying directly on the premises. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced students to live off-site, with cohorts continuing to live in Florence since the Villa resumed operations in 2021. The new structure of the program allows students to experience the ideal study location and charm of Villa Le Balze while also being immersed in the cultural and historic sites of Florence. 

Since this change to the program, the Villa has seen increased enrollment and renewed interest in programming and conferences for the larger Georgetown Community, meaning that more space is necessary to meet the needs of those visiting the Villa. For example, the upcoming Fall 2025 cohort is the largest cohort the Villa has ever hosted. 

To address the growth in participation and overall events at Villa Le Balze, the former students’ living facilities will be renovated into additional classrooms, learning spaces, and higher capacity restroom facilities. Prior to this work, Villa Le Balze had 3 classrooms and 3 single-use restrooms for students and visitors. At the completion of the work, Villa Le Balze will have 5 classrooms, 2 single-use restrooms, and 2 high-capacity restrooms with a total of 11 toilet fixtures.

Project Type

Interior renovation to increase instructional spaces and overall capacity.  

Scope of Work

  • Reconfigure former bedrooms, creating new classrooms that increase the Villa’s overall maximum capacity
  • Renovate 4 individual bathrooms into 2 high-volume restrooms, with a total of 11 toilet fixtures

Funding Source

This project is supported by a 100% gift endowment made out to the Villa. We thank our gracious donors whose contributions made this project possible. 

Site Improvement

Improved Comfort
Increased Capacity
Enhanced Technology

Point of Contact

During this time period, the Villa is only able to accommodate visits to the gardens and external spaces, all indoor areas will be inaccessible. Please book a time via our Visit Request calendar. If you have any questions about visits or regarding this project, please reach out to Mia Pezzanite: mep92@georgetown.edu.

Project Phases

  • Phase 1: Procurement – July 2024 – February 2025 
  • Phase 2: Active Construction – February 2025 – June 2025 (Substantial Completion)
  • Phase 3: Partial Construction – Finish by August 31, 2025
  • Phase 4: Construction Completion and Villa Reopens – September 2025