Howard
University Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall
rederick Douglass Memorial Hall at Howard University is more than a landmark building; it’s a cornerstone of U.S. history and a testament to social justice and activism. Designed in 1935 by the notable African-American architect Albert Irvin Cassell, the Hall has long stood as a tribute to Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist, diplomat, and Howard trustee. Widely considered one of the greatest American statesmen, Douglass was an outspoken advocate for justice, equality, and education.
Howard University / Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall / March 2025
Howard University stands as a beacon of Black resilience, intellectual pursuit, and dedication to social justice —both for the United States and the global community. Every building on the historic campus contributes to an environment that fosters critical thought, creativity, and empowerment. Imagine, as the saying goes, “if these walls could talk”—each structure would share stories of the university’s ongoing commitment to its mission of Truth and Service.
This story explores how the modernization of Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall embodies the AIA principles of design excellence. From equity to education and water to well-being, we examine the values that shape not only the physical landscape but also the educational experience for all who walk Howard’s grounds.
But first, a little context...
Performance by Design: The Transformation of Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall
Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall at Howard University is more than a landmark building; it’s a cornerstone of U.S. history and a testament to social justice and activism. Designed in 1935 by the notable African-American architect Albert Irvin Cassell, the Hall has long stood as a tribute to Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist, diplomat, and Howard trustee. Widely considered one of the greatest American statesmen, Douglass was an outspoken advocate for justice, equality, and education.
With its stately red brick facade, impressive columns, and U-shaped Neoclassical design, Douglass Hall is a symbol of academic excellence and the enduring fight for human rights. This historic site includes three core structures—Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, Founders Library, and Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall—which together embody Howard University’s legacy as a center for social change.
Howard University / Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall / March 2025
ILLUSTRIOUS VISITORS AND ALUMNI
Historic figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, and President Harry Truman have been honored in official events and ceremonies amid the gracious structures of Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall, Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, and Founders Library—inspiring generations. Today, that legacy lives on in graduates breaking barriers and shaping the future.
The architecture of Frederic Douglass Hall is welcoming and dignified— a two-story, central-block structure framed by symmetrical wings, with a stone foundation, dentil cornices, and a grand staircase entrance flanked by Corinthian columns. The building’s details reveal an intentional blend of beauty and durability: large, balanced windows fill the interior with natural light, while limestone and granite accents ground the building in gravitas. Every element invites reflection and engagement, highlighting Frederick Douglass’ influence and Howard’s enduring commitment to scholarship.
A STORIED LEGACY
The FDMH building played a pivotal role in the fight against segregation. It served as a meeting space where Howard University professors collaborated with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), using their research to challenge the “separate but equal” doctrine. Their work provided the foundation for the legal strategy presented by Thurgood Marshall and the LDF in Brown v. Board of Education (1954, 1955), the landmark Supreme Court decisions that ended segregation in public education.
Serving the Howard community for decades, the Hall’s legacy was threatened when a ruptured steam line in 2018 caused extensive water damage. Following the mitigation efforts, the Hall remained dark until Howard University, in partnership with Page and R. McGhee & Associates (RMc), launched a transformational modernization project to preserve its historic character while introducing state-of-the-art learning environments.
Page and RMc approached this ambitious restoration as an opportunity to honor Douglass Hall’s storied past while creating a vibrant, flexible environment for students and
educators. The design team held campus meetings and town halls to gather faculty, staff, and community input, ensuring Douglass Hall continues to reflect its heritage of advocacy and scholarship. The team carefully restored historic elements, including the classic wood paneling and original chalkboards, where one can imagine Frederick Douglass himself writing amid academic discussions on equality. Skilled artisans salvaged and refurbished damaged wood and uncovered the original plaster barrel vaults, revealing dentil pediments and Greek Key panel molding in the doorways. These details serve as a tactile link to the past.
Howard University / Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall / March
A bold new vision for the future
The project also sparked a bold new vision for the future of education at Howard, transforming traditional classrooms into dynamic learning environments tailored to 21st-century needs. The reimagined Hall shifts the paradigm by breaking away from traditional pedagogy to foster connection and collaboration between faculty and students. Innovative technology, flexible furniture, and versatile writing surfaces are integrated throughout to support active engagement, while movable walls enable real-time adaptability. The reconfigured layout blends teaching spaces with social areas, creating a
“neighborhood” feel where learning flows from lecture halls to lounges and from student groups to study corners. Spontaneous student gatherings, stimulating conversations, and intellectual collisions are encouraged. A glass curtain wall provides visibility into this vibrant community, making the spirit of education and activism visible from every angle and reinforcing Douglass Hall’s open-door invitation to all.
Sustainability and resilience were also at the forefront of the project. Page and McGhee & Associates introduced
energy-efficient systems, environmentally responsible materials, and native landscaping to the site. These updates reduce the building’s environmental impact and align with the University’s dedication to shaping responsible, future-focused leaders.
Today, Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall is a model for the future of impactful learning. Every detail reflects a renewed sense of purpose, a commitment to scholarship, and a vision for social justice that continues to shape the next generation of leaders dedicated to truth and service.
11 Howard University / Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall / March 2025
Today, Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall is a model for the future of impactful learning—every detail reflects a renewed sense of purpose, a commitment to scholarship, and a vision for social justice that continues to shape the next generation of leaders dedicated to truth and service
Howard University / Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall / March 2025
Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall Design Excellence at Howard University
INTEGRATING DESIGN ELEMENTS
The restoration and modernization of Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall breathes new life into its legacy of activism, transforming its interior into a state-of-the-art, 21st-century learning hub. After sustaining significant damage from a ruptured steam line in 2018, the project set out to revitalize this National Historic Landmark, blending sustainable architecture with advanced functionality. Initially designed by Albert Cassell in 1935, Douglass Hall housed departments instrumental in advancing landmark civil rights cases, including Brown v. Board of Education, and has long been the heart of student activism and academic excellence.
Guided by Cassell’s classical design principles— proportion, symmetry, and precise detailing—the restoration preserves iconic architectural elements like the wood-paneled library and grand staircase. Classrooms are reimagined for modern learning, faculty offices are transformed into collaborative spaces, and gathering areas are refreshed for vibrant student engagement. Energy-efficient systems and a new steam line enhance sustainability while honoring the building’s historic charm.
Situated in “The Yard,” the Hall’s renewed connection to nearby landmarks like Founders Library and Andrew Rankin Chapel enhances its role as a central, unifying space. The project solidifies Douglass Hall’s legacy as a dynamic hub for education, activism, and community by seamlessly integrating modern learning with Howard’s architectural heritage.
BUILDING AN EQUITABLE COMMUNITY
The renovation reinforces Howard University’s dedication to an inclusive, accessible, and equitable community. Public workshops involved key education stakeholders, administrators, and community members, aligning the design with the aspirations of the campus and its surrounding neighborhood.
Through these collaborative efforts, the project reflects the broader goals of fostering a unified, forward-thinking environment for all stakeholders.
The modernization prioritizes Universal Design, adding accessible bathrooms, user-friendly door handles, and elevators for easy access regardless of age or ability. Ramps connect “The Yard” seamlessly with the building, creating a welcoming entrance.
Beyond physical accessibility, the university registrar can now reassign classrooms, allowing for equitable resource distribution and supporting a more comprehensive range of academic programs in an environment that encourages interdisciplinary learning.
“At Howard University am learning more than I ever imagined I could. I have learned so much in a wide variety of subjects from
chemical
engineering to English to taekwondo. Besides academicsI am also learning how to be an adult in today’s society. I came to Howard without much and I know I will be leaving with so much more.”
Name of Student, Class of XX
CLASSICAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Guided by Cassell’s classical design principles— proportion, symmetry, and precise detailing—the restoration preserves iconic architectural elements like the wood-paneled library and grand staircase.
The renovation strengthens Howard’s role in advancing inclusivity, accessibility, and academic excellence for the entire community
Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall also houses the W. Montague Cobb Research Laboratory, where groundbreaking research promotes equity by studying the health and history of diverse populations. The lab is home to the renowned Cobb Human Skeletal Collection, one of the world’s largest documented collections of human remains. This invaluable resource deepens the understanding of human biology and the health impacts of poverty, especially among marginalized communities. Upgrades in climate control, fire safety, and security systems help protect the lab’s resources for generations to come.
COMMITTING TO ECOLOGICAL STEWARDSHIP
Just as the hall safeguards invaluable human history and health research, its design also reflects a deep commitment to protecting the environment. Ecological stewardship plays a vital role in creating environments that benefit people and the planet. At Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall, this focus is evident in the
integration of native plant species that support local biodiversity and pollinators. Large windows fill classrooms with natural light while offering views of the urban landscape, strengthening the connection between the users and the surrounding ecosystem. The design also emphasizes occupant health through advanced air filtration systems and the use of low-Volatile Organic Compound materials. Smart lighting systems optimize energy use by responding to available daylight, aligning with the university’s broader sustainability goals.
The Hall is central to Howard University’s long-term ecological strategy. The building is connected to a stormwater management plan that will link it to future rainwater gardens, transforming stormwater challenges into ecological restoration opportunities. The building’s LEED certification further underscores the university’s commitment to creating a sustainable and environmentally responsible campus, serving as a model of ecological stewardship within higher education.
Howard University / Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall /
Cobb Human Skeletal Collection at the W. Montague Cobb Research Laboratory
William Montague Cobb (1904–1990), the first AfricanAmerican Ph.D. in anthropology, was a pioneering physician, scholar, and civil rights leader who used science to challenge racism and advance opportunities for Black Americans.
FORMER GRANDEUR REVEALED
The discovery of a finely crafted fireplace, long entombed within the walls, marked the first hint of a forgotten elegance hidden beneath years of adaptation. As the restoration unfolded, further excavation revealed bookshelves tucked within the frames of what had once been a grand library, their purpose obscured but never truly lost. These elements, unearthed and refinished, now stand as quiet tributes to the spirit of intellectual pursuit—evoking the timeless images of Frederick Douglass in his own home library, surrounded by books, immersed in the comfort of academic exploration.
“I have learned more in the past year at Howard than I can honestly put into words. I have learned so much about Architecture my first year that I can confidently draft floor plans and elevations of a structure, and make a decent model of it”
Name of Student, Class of XX
DESIGNING FOR WATER-CONSCIOUSNESS
A sustainable approach to water management is essential for reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible resource use. A cornerstone of the renovation is the integration of WaterSense Technology, which uses advanced electronic controls to optimize water flow. This technology makes water use efficient while encouraging mindful consumption and conservation throughout the building. Douglass Hall’s connection to the DC water mains enhances its resilience in emergencies, providing a reliable water supply and supporting operational continuity. The building renovations also set in motion the visionary campus-wide stormwater management plan, with the Hall becoming the first historic structure to connect to this effort.
These water conservation efforts reflect the University’s commitment to sustainability, setting a precedent for future campus projects focused on water management and resource conservation.
ADDING ECONOMIC VALUE
Good design adds economic value for owners, occupants, the community, and the planet, regardless of the project’s size or budget. The restoration preserves critical elements like the marble entrance stairway and wrought iron railings while minimizing structural removals and unnecessary demolition. This approach maintains the building’s historical integrity while fostering lasting economic value.
Collaborating with skilled artisans to salvage and refurbish damaged wood panels and uncover the original plaster barrel vaults is a prime example of the team’s commitment to reusing materials. The restoration also demonstrates dedication to preserving architectural details with custom millworkers matching features like dental pediments and Greek Key panel molding in the doorways. This careful attention to detail blends craftsmanship with economic prudence.
Likewise, selecting durable, low-maintenance materials help balance cost with long-term value. Innovations, such as LED lighting, improve energy efficiency at no additional cost. A linear wood ceiling enhances acoustics while showcasing the restored historical woodwork, seamlessly integrating contemporary function with historical reverence.
MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION
Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in the renovation of Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall, elevating building performance and occupant comfort. Strategies like lighting fixtures equipped with photocells and dimming controls that optimize power consumption by adjusting to available daylight support sustainability goals. High-performance mechanical systems minimize heating, cooling, and ventilation waste, while Energy Star-rated appliances contribute to the building’s overall effectiveness.
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
The renovation revitalizes the historic building with vibrant student gathering space, enhancing openness with expansive glass, higher ceilings, and improved flow for a more dynamic and uplifting environment. Refinished and newly crafted wood elements add warmth, comfort, and timeless character, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. By maximizing natural light, spaciousness, and natural materials, the design supports well-being, creating an inviting space that inspires collaboration, creativity, and relaxation.
The Hall’s design prioritizes its occupants’ health and well-being by honoring physical comfort and emotional connection to the historic site
Passive strategies, including operable windows for natural ventilation and daylighting in classrooms, reduce reliance on mechanical systems and create a more inviting atmosphere. Enhanced insulation in exterior walls helps regulate temperature and reduces energy demand year-round. The Page Building Sciences Team, leaders in energy benchmarking, set sustainability goals and best practices during the renovation. These strategies are essential for measuring the building’s performance against rigorous energy efficiency standards and driving continuous improvement.
PROMOTING WELL-BEING
Option 1: “Put Back” Scenario Site Section
The Hall’s design prioritizes its occupants’ health and well-being by honoring physical comfort and emotional connection to the historic site. In the wake of the 2018 weather event, the restoration renews Douglass Hall as a vibrant hub for student life and innovative learning. The Hall stands as a campus landmark, symbolizing pivotal moments for countless students who pass through its doors. Its grand staircase and columned entrance serve as a stage for activism and organization. Restoring the stairs preserves the building’s legacy while encouraging movement and fostering an active lifestyle.
Through a thoughtful modernization approach, large windows flood the space with natural light and provide views connecting occupants to the surrounding landscape. Enhanced air quality measures contribute to a healthier indoor environment. Universal Design principles promote inclusivity, while localized thermal controls empower users to personalize their comfort, cultivating autonomy and well-being.
USING RESOURCES WISELY
Material selection is a core component of sustainable architecture. Careful material selection minimizes waste, enhances health and durability, and encourages equitable and sustainable supply chains.
Decisions to retain a significant portion of the existing building structure during the renovation ensure less waste and lower embodied carbon levels. The linear wood ceiling, designed to highlight the restored historical woodwork and improve acoustics, comes from sustainably harvested timber. Salvaged and refinished wood panels and trims are reinstalled throughout the building, minimizing the need for new materials and preserving the structure’s historical fabric.
SPACES FOR GATHERING & INNOVATION
This cross-section of the renovated interior showcases modernized learning and gathering spaces. The design features an elegant lounge area with wood finishes, a grand chandelier, and natural lighting. The openconcept integrates flexible study and meeting spaces, reflecting the University’s commitment to innovation while honoring the building’s rich history.
Adapting classrooms
to support flexible educational environments honors the building’s legacy while preparing it for contemporary
academic needs
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
The design of Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall incorporates strategies that enhance its resilience and adaptability to social, economic, and environmental uncertainties. Originally a standalone structure, the building now seamlessly integrates with the campus cogeneration plant, ensuring access to energy resources. This foresight reflects Howard’s commitment to sustainability and supports effective emergency responses.
Drawing on lessons learned from past challenges, such as the steam line disaster in 2018, the design team’s approach includes rerouting primary steam lines and installing additional gauges and pressure valves. Supplemental water mitigation systems assist with drainage in the basement, minimize flooding concerns, and strengthen the building’s ability to withstand weather events. These enhancements mitigate risks during extreme conditions, so the building remains operational and safe.
From a programmatic perspective, adapting the historically configured classrooms to support contemporary learning methods by reimagining spaces for flexible educational environments honors the building’s legacy while preparing it for modern academic needs.
Overall, the project demonstrates resilient design through proactive planning and strategic decisionmaking, addressing potential future vulnerabilities while supporting the academic experience.
ADVANCING DISCOVERY AND EDUCATION
The Memorial Hall renovation is a transformative model that informs best practices in design, resilience, and stakeholder collaboration. This modernization project, undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrates the potential for innovation when the design team, construction professionals, the University, and community stakeholders work in seamless collaboration.
The pandemic required inventive solutions, prompting the team to implement virtual walkthroughs, phased construction schedules, and digital project tracking to maintain efficiency and safety. Strict sequencing of trades minimized on-site personnel at any given time, while remote coordination tools ensured real-time problem-solving. These strategies not only kept the project on track but also set a precedent for future renovations. Additionally, performance data was meticulously documented and shared, fostering a culture of continuous learning across design and construction teams.
A standout example of this knowledge sharing emerged during the restoration of the building’s intricate plaster ceiling. Working closely with skilled artisans, the team advanced restoration techniques—such as creating custom molds to replicate ornate historic details—and carefully documented these methods to preserve craftsmanship across campus. This collaborative approach and focus on learning shaped a dynamic, adaptable space that evolves alongside its users.
“I have learned more in the past year at Howard than I can honestly put into words. I have learned so much about Architecture my first year that I can confidently draft floor plans and elevations of a structure”
Name of Student, Class of XX
Situated in The Yard, the Hall’s renewed connection to nearby landmarks like Founders Library and Andrew Rankin Chapel enhances its role as a central, unifying space.
Howard University / Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall / March 2025
Drawings
ARCHITECTURAL GRANDEUR AND DETAIL
“ At a time like this, scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed.
Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall, a U-shaped Neoclassical structure, stands prominently on Howard University’s main yard. Two-story wings flank a three-story central block, which features a beige stone foundation, red brick walls with limestone and granite trim, and slate roof sheathing. The symmetrical façade is adorned with dentils, a frieze band, and balanced double-hung windows. A grand, full-height porch with Corinthian columns and a classical pediment welcomes visitors. Above, a dome-shaped stone bell tower with arched windows and a balustrade rises over the roofline. Ornate entrances, detailed masonry, and a carefully proportioned layout showcase the building’s timeless architectural excellence.
Sustainability and Resilience: Howard University’s Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall will continue to support pollination. The renovation utilizes WaterSense technology to responsibly supply the building with the least amount the energy-efficient HVAC systems. By accomplishing LEED certification, it exemplifies wellness and resilience occupants. The project is also accomplishing SEED certification (Social Economic Environmental Design), showing community while delivering a higher performing building at the same time.
Frederick Douglass
FREDERICK DOUGLASS MEMORIAL HALL
Campus context
Building elevation facing the Yard
LANDSCAPE ROOTED IN LEGACY
Originally designed by landscape architect David A. Williston, the grounds surrounding Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall enhance its historic presence. Lush lawns, mature trees, and carefully planned walkways create a welcoming environment for learning and gathering. Thoughtful updates preserve this legacy while supporting sustainability and the student experience at Howard University. Site plan
THE HALL’S DEFINING BEACON
The project restored and stabilized its iconic Neoclassical cupola, also complementing Founders’ Hall defining lantern. The stone, dome-shaped bell tower, with balustrade and arched windows, rises above the roof line. Careful rehabilitation preserved historical integrity through wood trimwork, metal paneling, and paint finish while ensuring structural stability. The modernization of Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall earned AIA Northern Virginia’s Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture.
South Facade
The rear elevation of the central block features ashlar masonry piers that divide it into a 1-4-3-4-1 bay pattern. At the center, a three-bay entrance includes a double glass door with three panes, topped by a pedimented window — both framed with limestone surrounds. The south elevations of the wings also feature double glass doors, a keystone, and a balustrade.
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1 ARCHITECTURALEXTERIOR ELEVATION -SOUTH-Presentation
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ARCHITECTURALEXTERIOR ELEVATION
South façade
West façade
Programming: Spaces for Interaction and Collaboration
FOSTERING COLLABORATION
University classrooms of the 1930s were designed for lecturebased instruction, with forward-facing desks arranged in rows. The professor was the focal point, delivering knowledge in a one-way transmission model. This layout reflected an era focused on rote learning and passive absorption, with minimal student interaction. The physical environment reinforced hierarchy, discipline, and efficiency in delivering content to large groups.
Transforming FDMH into a classroom for the current era, the educational pedagogical model shifts to employ SCALE-UP (Student-Centered Active Learning Environment with Upside-
down Pedagogies) classrooms that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and hands-on learning. Round tables encourage group work, and instructors move fluidly to guide discussions rather than lecture from a fixed position.
Technology supports interactive learning, often replacing traditional front-facing setups with multiple screens or writable surfaces. This shift aligns with constructionist and inquirybased learning, emphasizing engagement, peer instruction, and problem-solving, transforming education from passive knowledge transfer to active, student-driven discovery.
VIBRANT STUDENT HUBS
The original building consists of a double-loaded corridor with arched doorways marching in cadence along each side, leading to daylight-filled classroom modules. Over the years, various classrooms, lecture halls, and libraries have been converted into low-ceilinged labyrinths of faculty and staff offices.
The restored corridors now reflect their original grandeur, with important intersections transformed into vibrant student hubs. Additionally, select areas have been reconfigured, merging classrooms into office suites that support a dynamic educational engagement model where faculty and students interact more freely.
“Put-back” Scenario / Hallway View
Howard University / Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall
DYNAMIC, ADAPTABLE SPACE
Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall, a cornerstone of Howard University’s historic Yard, buzzes with student activity. Home to the Departments of Political Science, Sociology, and History, it hosts engaging lectures, political rallies, and collaborative research—while also serving as the iconic backdrop for graduation ceremonies, casual meetups, and moments of connection that shape the Howard experience.
DOUGLASS MEMORIAL HALL
Standing at the heart of Howard University, former Vice President Kamala Harris returned to Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall—a place where ideas ignite and leaders take shape. Her presence symbolizes the power of education, activism, and legacy, inspiring future generations to lead with purpose and drive meaningful change.
KAMALA HARRIS AT FREDERICK
33 Howard University / Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall / March 2025
Acknowledgments
HOWARD TEAM
Wayne A. I. Frederick
University President
Anthony Freeman
AVP/Sr Real Estate Advisor
Real Estate Development and Capital Asset Management
Derrek Niec-Williams
Executive Director
Campus Planning, Architecture and Development
Real Estate Development and Capital Asset Management
Michelle Lockley
Executive Assistant
Real Estate Development and Capital Asset Management
DESIGN TEAM
Architecture & Interiors PAGE
Todd Ray
Alan Gombera
Andy Blackmore
Daniela Pardo
David McCullough
Associate Architect & Historic Preservation
R. MCGHEE & ASSOCIATES
Ronnie McGhee
Electrical & Fire Protection PAGE
Rob Courson
Mechanical & Plumbing
CLASSIC HEATING & COOLING + METROPOLITAN ENGINEERING
Mark McCormic
Structural Engineer SK&A
Audio Visual & IT
CONVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES
DESIGN GROUP
Bill Holaday
Sustainability PAGE
Jill Kurtz
Specifications
Ronald Ray
Envelope Consultant
WISS, JANNEY, ELSTNER
ASSOCIATES, INC.
Matt Farmer
SWM
VIKA CAPITOL, LLC
Kyle U. Oliver
Contractor
GILBANE BUILDING COMPANY
Tyler Swartzwelder
Jon Seavey
Erin Westervelt
Photography ANICE HOACHLANDER
PHOTOGRAPHY
Anice Hoachlander
Historic photography courtesy
Howard University Archive
