1700 New York Avenue NW
Designing for an irregularly-shaped site in a prime location of Washington, DC that sat vacant for many years created a unique challenge that SmithGroup was able to overcome through an innovative approach.
Client
Carr Properties
Location
Washington, DC
Markets/Services
Architecture, Commercial Office Buildings, Interiors, Sustainable Design, Workplace
Size
120,000 SF
Featured Awards
Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Association of Greater Washington, DC (CREBA), Best in the Industry, 2014 Project of the Year (submitted by Carr Properties)
Nestled between two buildings the irregular shaped site that would become 1700 New York Avenue NW for years sat like a missing puzzle piece waiting for the right player to add the final piece. The site received various plans that called for the modification or demolishing sections of adjacent buildings with none ever moving forward. SmithGroup was able to solve this puzzle by creating a solution that would allow to build seamlessly into the irregularly shaped site.
A 120,000 SF office building was the end-goal with amenities including a fitness center and roof terrace. Its proximity to the National Mall with unprecedented views making this prime real estate.
The unconventional shape of the site was the main factor in the building’s clever design. It needed to fit around the neighboring Corcoran Gallery but a solution was needed for the floors that soared above the Gallery’s roof.
A lower-level basement space was used to create a space that would engage users with the creative use of an exterior light well.
DC’s style has always erred on the conservative side, however, the city is slowly starting to welcome a bolder more contemporary design, straying away from the forms of the Federal Court, and drawing from a more dynamic and responsive set of guidelines. 1700 New York Avenue represents this architectural evolution.