The document summarizes renovations made to convert an early 1900s power generator facility and later nightclub into office space for an architecture firm in downtown Washington D.C. Two mezzanines and an excavated lower level were added to accommodate 75 staff across 4 floors. A central atrium was preserved and surrounded by formal and informal meeting spaces to promote collaboration. Special consideration was given to sustainable strategies like insulating paint to reduce energy use. The formerly vacant building was transformed into a vibrant office improving the neighborhood.

1. For this project, an early 1900’s generator loading and storage facility,
and more recently, a popular Washington, DC nightclub, was converted
into office space for a growing architecture firm. 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 floors. 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 first floor 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 infiltration 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 office building that benefited the organization and
improved its surrounding neighborhood.
1

2. Stair Lower Level Resource Library
Existing Conditions

3. Atrium
3

4. Legend
9 9
7 7 7 7 7
1 Foyer
2 Reception
3 “Confessional”
8
4 Coffee Bar
5 Town Hall 3
7
6 Conference Room
4
7 Work Area 5
6 2
8 Mail Area and Message Board
9 Restroom 7
7 7 7 7 1
Scale
01 2 5
Feet
1st Floor Plan 4

5. Basement Plan 3rd Floor Plan
Roof Deck
2nd Floor Plan Roof Plan
5

6. (New)
3rd Floor
(New)
2nd Floor
(Existing)
1st Floor
(Existing)
Lower Level
Section view through building 6

7. Foyer/ Reception 7

8. Designer’s Hub 8

9. Play Space
Atrium
9

11. Play Space 11

12. Work Space
Work Space
12

13. Work Space 13