Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Headquarters

Washington, DC

CLIENTWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)

SERVICESBuilding Renovation, Interiors

LOCATIONWashington, DC

SIZE227,000 sq ft

STATUSCompleted 2022

CERTIFICATIONLEED Platinum® v4

STUDIOS' design for the new Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) headquarters creates a civic building that activates the public realm and redefines employee experience. An existing, 1970s, eight-story structure near the National Mall and L'Enfant plaza was re-imagined into an eleven-story, 227,000-square-foot, daylight-filled building with expanded ground-floor retail situated on a 42,000-square-foot lot. The additional floors and retail will be leased to provide an additional revenue stream to the agency. WMATA’s goals for the new headquarters included a reduction of total office footprint and associated economic benefits.

Entrance along 7th and D Street SW near L'Enfant Plaza

A collective vision.

The project focused on creating a new, welcoming, safe, healthy, and productive space with the goal of becoming an “Employer of Choice” for the existing 600 in-office employees. Features include the integration of carefully curated employee amenities, terrace spaces with striking views of the Washington Monument and US Capitol, and sustainability initiatives that support an anticipated LEED Platinum® v4 certification.

While safety was a critical component of the project, the intention was to conceal added screening and security elements to not detract from the overall experience for visitors and personnel. In addition to working with the client, the project team worked closely with the Southwest Business Improvement District, the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission, and artists from Hou de Sousa to enliven the public realm experience with public space programming, art features on all sides of the building, and ground-floor retail along D Street SW and at the building’s corners.

Lobby with art installation 'Aura' by Hou de Sousa

The extensive collaboration of the design-build team, challenged by a fast-paced, 18-month schedule, resulted in the delivery of the new WMATA headquarters, celebrating the history and gravitas of the transit provider for the Nation’s Capital. It injects fresh energy, consistent with the surrounding neighborhood, to create a unique and engaging workplace that celebrates the site’s urban connectivity.