CLIENTDC Department of General Services

SERVICESNew Construction

LOCATIONWashington, DC

SIZE2,200 sq ft on 5 acres

STATUSCompleted 2021

LANDSCAPELand Collective

STUDIOS and Land Collective are working hand-in-hand with multiple public agencies to transform this 200-year-old, five-acre historic square in downtown Washington, DC into an active, sustainable, and inclusive neighborhood-serving park fit for the 21st century, while seamlessly celebrating the park’s rich history.

Franklin Park_grand opening carousel 1.jpg
Franklin Park_grand opening carousel 1.jpg
Franklin Park_grand opening carousel 2.jpg
Franklin Park_grand opening carousel 2.jpg

Franklin Park is the first example of a federal / local partnership to develop and maintain National Parks in order to better serve local needs in the future.

The design pays homage to the park's rich history while infusing new life into this centrally located square. Measuring nearly five acres, the park has been the location of several historic events throughout US history: it was originally established as the site of a spring that once provided water to the White House; the park once served as a civil war encampment; witnessed the first light-signal transmission by Alexander G. Bell, and hosted the first city celebration of Emancipation Day. Over time, the park has grown a thick tree canopy, providing relief on frequent hot days.

The design team is working collaboratively with the Department of General Services, National Park Service, Downtown Business Improvement District, and the Historic Preservation Office to identify these key historic moments in the park’s history and highlight them throughout the landscape.

Park & Cafe
Park & Cafe
Pavilion
Pavilion

The 2,200 square foot pavilion, located at the southern edge of the park, includes a cafe, warming kitchen, and public restrooms. The structure is secondary to the landscape that twists and bends around it.

Sustainable design features include:

  • storm water retention rain garden
  • green roof on the cafe pavilion that references that park's canopy
  • triple glazed energy efficient curtain wall system
  • low flow fixtures

    PHOTOGRAPHYSahar Coston-Hardy