Howard University Campus Master Plan
Howard University’s Central Campus Plan is a transformative roadmap, aligning academic excellence with strategic, sustainable growth. Rooted in the “Howard Forward” priorities, the plan enhances campus density, revitalizes historic buildings and landscapes, and weaves sustainability into every aspect of development—unlocking new opportunities for innovation, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Designed to enrich campus life and support student success, it advances smart urban design, strengthens the public realm, and improves accessibility. By centralizing academic and student life programs, the campus plan reinforces Howard’s leadership in STEM, health sciences, arts, communications, law, and business.
Strategic off-campus development generates new funding streams, optimizes land use, and ensures long-term financial stability. With Page’s expertise shaping this vision, Howard cements its legacy as the nation’s leading HBCU and a key anchor in the capitol’s academic and cultural landscape.
Awards
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2022 Award in Urban Design / Master Planning (AIA DC)
Campus plan
Howard University’s Campus Master Plan drives intentional growth by seamlessly integrating academic, research, healthcare, and student life spaces. Designed to foster collaboration and efficiency, the plan clusters related programs—such as the Health Sciences Complex, STEM Center, and Arts & Communications Hub—to create dynamic innovation environments.
Modern, apartment-style residences and a revitalized Howard University Union enrich student life, while new medical and research facilities reinforce Howard’s leadership in health sciences. Every project reflects a deep commitment to historic preservation, community impact, and the highest and best campus land use. By leveraging strategic resources for long-term sustainability, the plan positions Howard as a pioneering institution.
Campus edge
Howard University is transforming its future by strategically repositioning campus assets. With a strengthened financial foundation, the university is advancing long-awaited capital projects and ensuring long-term sustainability.
By relocating academic and support programs from the campus periphery to the core, Howard can develop mixed-use spaces, integrating residential, retail, and research facilities. This strategy revitalizes aging infrastructure, monetizes off-campus and edge-campus properties, and drives sustained growth.
These efforts modernize the university, ensuring a thriving, financially resilient Howard poised for impact and innovation.
Campus preservation
Howard University’s Central Campus Master Plan honors its historic legacy while advancing sustainability, modernization, and strategic growth.
Howard University’s Central Campus is home to many historically significant yet underrecognized gems. As part of the 2020 Campus Plan, a comprehensive Historic Preservation Study evaluated buildings, landscapes, and structures to guide purposeful conservation efforts.
The plan enhances iconic open spaces, including the Yard, arrival plazas, and campus gateways, while preserving and revitalizing the tree canopy. Sustainability is a priority, with strategies for advanced stormwater management, carbon reduction, and energy efficiency.
While deeply committed to preservation, Howard must address aging infrastructure and safety needs. Twelve buildings have been restored, 19 are undergoing significant upgrades, and approximately 20 will be decommissioned to ensure a safer, more dynamic campus. These preservation and modernization efforts balance legacy and progress, securing Howard’s future as a historic yet forward-thinking institution.
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