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PROJECT REPORT: MIXED USE SCHEMES
The project is designed to be a “cornerstone in the transformation and revitalisation of the Southwest and Capitol River districts of Washington DC”
Materials
The old school building was an “institutional interpretation of the Georgian Revival” style, faced with red brick and a limestone trim, say the architects. BBB wanted the new buildings to contrast and act as a backdrop to the historic ones, which is why they chose more contemporary materials, including glass and metal panels. To offer a further counterpoint to the old
school, the windows and glass of the new buildings have been intentionally arranged in an “irregular and informal” composition, as opposed to the “carefully arranged facades” of the brick buildings. Internally, Gallery 64 has been designed to be minimalist, “taking its design cues from art galleries.” Polished concrete floors will feature throughout the lobby and communal areas alongside “minimal, simple details, in order to provide a neutral backdrop for the original artwork that will be installed.”
Landscaping & sustainability The central courtyard forms a key part of the development, serving as a social meeting place. It will be connected to the surrounding area via access points at the south east and south west corners of Gallery 64. Various “asymmetrical” planting areas will be used to break up the
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space into different areas, as well as offering privacy for the residential entry points. As well as the courtyard, landscaping streetside has also been carefully considered, developed by landscape architects Oehme, van Sweden (OvS). I Street (one of the Southwest district’s “primary corridors” and the street onto which the old school faces, will see existing trees retained and others added to maintain its character. An existing brick retaining wall will also be repaired and rebuilt, edged with a planter. A series of stairs and accessible ramps will lead visitors up to the building. First Street and H Street, on the west and north sides of the development, will also be locations where the project will “maximise green space”. The private gardens and terraces of Gallery 64 will be sited along these streets, enclosed by a combination of green screens and brick walls – chosen to echo the character of the neighbourhood. As part of the project’s ambition to hit sustainability targets, green roofs will be installed throughout, – including on top of Gallery 64, as well as on the seventh floor balconies. Alongside this, the development will have rainwater harvesting, “urban forestry best practices”, and feature a “substantial” solar panel installation. Gallery 64 has been designed to LEED Gold standards, and the renovation of the old school buildings to comply with LEED Silver guidelines. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. The system considers several elements of a project, including a reduction in contribution to climate change; promoting sustainable and regenerative material cycles; enhancing community life; enhancing human health; protecting and restoring water resources; and protecting and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystems.
Projects are awarded a number of
credits, with a different percentage allocated to each of the elements, with the total credits resulting in a certification ranging from Certified through to Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Construction on Museum Place started in 2020 with the necessary demolition of the old school buildings and the beginning of the renovation. Gallery 64 construction began in April 2021, and it’s anticipated the whole project will be completed by the end of 2022/early 2023. Developer Lowe’s Rivers sums up the project: “This is a positive addition to the historic neighbourhood. g
ADF OCTOBER 2022
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