clientDouglas Development Corp
servicesArchitecture, Interiors
locationWashington, DC
size42,300 sq ft
statusCompleted 2019
certificationLEED Gold®
STUDIOS was selected by Douglas Development Corp (DDC) to design and implement a full modernization and renovation of the former Weschler's Auction House, located in the Pennsylvania Avenue Historic Overlay District of Washington, DC. The original building was designed to accommodate a printing press and related heavy machinery, resulting in a unique, hybrid structure. By revealing the distinctive detailing of the building while preserving its unique character and charm, STUDIOS transformed 905/909 E Street NW into an enticing, modern multi-tenant offering.
The design team worked closely with DDC and the Historic Preservation Office to uncover the building’s past and to provide historically sensitive design solutions that honor its story. The team refurbished the existing wood flooring, exposed the existing brick and hybrid concrete and wood structural system, and preserved unique details such as the original hoisting doors that were once used for moving printing equipment. By infilling an old elevator shaft, additional contemporary office space was created. The interior modernization celebrates the history of the building while creating practical, warm, and engaging spaces for potential tenants. The juxtaposition of old and new through the exposed existing masonry, in contrast with modern and refined finishes, continues through the levels of the building, creating a cohesive work environment full of historic integrity.
Improvements to the exterior included a lofted lightweight steel addition as well as renovations to the existing retail storefront. The rooftop addition, which can’t be seen from the street to preserve the historic nature of the building’s exterior, creates valuable amenity and outdoor space. A green roof and modernized mechanical systems throughout result in highly efficient spaces designed for sustainability and thoughtful preservation.
PHOTOGRAPHYJudy Davis
Awards
- City of Palo Alto, Architectural Review Board (ARB) Design Award | The Hub at Stanford Research Park
- ULI Washington Awards for Excellence, Finalist | MLK Gateway II
- Future of Work Awards, Jury’s Special Prize | Ledger HQ
- BIM d’Or, Tech Show Awards | Google AI Hub
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Office Renovation, Winner | Meta EMEA Headquarters
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Medium Tech Office: Finalists | WHOOP Headquarters
- ULI Europe Awards for Excellence : Winner | L’Atelier Covivio
- Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Awards, Finalist: Large Early Education | Raymond Elementary School
- AIA DC, Awards of Excellence in Architecture, Chapter Design Award: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- ULI Washington Awards of Excellence, Excellence in Institutional Development: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- ULI Washington Awards of Excellence: Finalists | Raymond Elementary School
- USGBC, US Local Market Leadership Swards DC, MD, VA, Decarbonization Award: Winner | Raymond Elementary School
- Fast Company, Innovation by Design Awards, Best Workplace Design: Honorable Mention | WHOOP Headquarters
- Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, Display Installations: Winner | Welcome Galleries at the National Building Museum
- Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award, Best in office Buildings: Winner | Meta EMEA Headquarters
- Interior Design Magazine, NYCxDesign Awards: Finalist | 825 Third Avenue
- CoreNet NYC Design Excellence Awards, Project of the Year Under 25K sq ft: Winner | 825 Third Avenue
- USGBC, US Local Market Leadership Awards DC, MD, VA, Judge’s Choice Award: Winner | MLK Gateway II
- NAIOP DC MD Awards of Excellence, Best Washington DC Urban Office: Winner | MLK Gateway II
- CoreNet New England Awards of Excellence, Large Workplace: Winner | WHOOP Headquarters