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For this project, an early 1900’s generator loading and storage facility, and more recently, a popular Washington, DC nightclub, was converted into offi ce space for a growing architecture fi rm. The free standing build-ing, which sits in the center of a city block in downtown Washington, DC, required major renovation in order to adapt to its new use. Two mezza-nines were added within the building shell and the lower level was exca-vated in order to accommodate 75 staff on 4 fl oors. A central atrium was preserved and surrounded by a variety of meeting spaces, both formal and informal, to promote collaboration and a sense of community for the organization. The fi rst fl oor of the atrium provides a setting where staff and visiting congregate and are able to manipulate furniture, walls and drapery to create spaces for small meetings or full town hall gatherings. Special consideration was given to meeting LEED and sustainable strate-gies with a main focus on energy conservation. The crumbling building shell was pointed-up and painted with an insulating paint on the interior to prevent infi ltration and reduce heat transfer. Ultimately, what was seen a valueless interior-block building that sat vacant for ten years was trans-formed into a vibrant offi ce building that benefi ted the organization and improved its surrounding neighborhood.

Lower Level Resource Library

Existing Conditions

Stair

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Atrium

41st Floor Plan

Legend

1 Foyer2 Reception3 “Confessional”4 Coffee Bar5 Town Hall6 Conference Room7 Work Area8 Mail Area and Message Board9 Restroom

1

24

83

56

9 97 7 7 7 7

7 7 7 7

7

7

Scale0

Feet2 51

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2nd Floor Plan

Basement Plan 3rd Floor Plan

Roof Plan

Roof Deck

6Section view through building

(Existing) 1st Floor

(New)2nd Floor

(New)3rd Floor

(Existing)Lower Level

7Foyer/ Reception

8Designer’s Hub

9

Atrium

Play Space

11Play Space

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Work Space

Work Space

13Work Space