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September 24, 2018
in
by John W

Dahlgren Chapel Renovation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Georgetown University Washington, DC Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture, AIA Northern Virginia   For more than a century, the Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart has been a place of worship, reflection and celebration for Georgetown University. Surrounded on three sides by Georgetown’s oldest buildings to form Dahlgren Quadrangle, it is not only one of the campus’s most iconic structures but also a historic local landmark.   The chapel, constructed in 1893 in the style of 13th century English cathedrals, is the spiritual heart of the Georgetown community. In this sacred space, generations of students, faculty, staff and alumni have attended Mass, weddings, baptisms or simply stole a quiet moment of reflection. Therefore, preservation of its architectural character was a top priority. The University needed to update the space, but the renovated space still needed to feel like home.   This preservation project included renovation of the chapel interior and improvements to the exterior quadrangle. The interior...

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September 17, 2018
in
by John W

Montgomery County Humane Society Campus

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Montgomery County Humane Society Aspen Hill, Maryland   GBR Architects is currently working on the Master Plan and architectural design for the new Montgomery County Humane Society headquarters located in the historic Aspen Hill Memorial Park in Montgomery County, Maryland. The site includes two historic properties, listed with the Maryland Historic Trust.  These existing buildings will be fully rehabilitated along with new buildings arranged around an open courtyard added to house additional programmatic elements. The new structures are modern in design using the vernacular aesthetic of rural Maryland while remaining respectful of the two existing historic buildings and their historic view shed.   The new 16,000 sf headquarters will provide adoption, pet education and a community services clinic at the site. It will also be open for a number of community events and will also provide an inviting park accessible to the public. The historic pet cemetery will be fully restored with new interpretive paths...

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September 16, 2018
in
by John W

U.S. FDA Headquarters Master Plan

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] United States Food and Drug Administration, Federal Research Center Silver Spring, Maryland   The new Master Plan will provide a guide for development to accommodate a total of 18,000 FDA employees and support staff at the 130-acre FDA Headquarters at the Federal Research Center (FRC) in Silver Spring, Maryland. The plan will steer the planning, design, and construction of new buildings; improvements to roadways, utilities, and other infrastructure; and the protection of natural areas. Preceding the Master Plan, a Land Use Feasibility Study was prepared that studied multiple development strategies within the FRC and a Draft Master Plan that developed three Master Plan Alternatives.   The purpose of the plan is to support consolidation of FDA employees and projected growth at the headquarters campus.  The implementation of the Master Plan includes development of an additional 1,550,000 GSF of office space and 280,000 to 350,000 GSF of special use space to support FDA’s mission. Anticipating the...

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September 15, 2018
in
by John W

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Federal Republic of Germany Washington, DC   The German Embassy in Washington has undergone a comprehensive, multiple building renovation that includes the architecturally significant Chancery and Consular buildings designed by German architect Egon Eiermann in the 1960’s. Recognized as landmark historic buildings, both for their architectural quality and their political significance.   Primary project goals for the renovation were the removal of hazardous materials, upgrades for life-safety and security, and integration of high-performance building systems for heating, cooling and lighting while respecting the original exterior and interior design of this mid-century icon. Sustainable design features include a grey water system, radiant heating and cooling, a central plant with cogeneration, photovoltaic panels, and LED lighting throughout.   As the U.S. partner in support of HPP Architekten GmbH, GBR Architects coordinated the design requirements of the German Government and the German architects with the regulations of the U.S. Department of State and local governing agencies. GBR’s services included preparation...

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September 14, 2018
in
by John W

Sheehy Theater Renovation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Gonzaga College High School Washington, DC [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Originally constructed in 1896, this historic building has the distinction of being the longest, continually operating theater in Washington, DC. In fact, this major renovation project was completed within a nine-month construction time-frame to allow the continuous string of annual performances to remain intact.   To respect the historic character of the space, the theater’s impressive proscenium arch and plaster ceiling detailing were carefully preserved while the space was completely gutted and all systems modernized. The comprehensive renovation included new HVAC, AV, theater lighting and rigging systems, improved acoustics, and updated finishes throughout. A new light and sound booth was inserted at the rear of the balcony and over 800 new seats were installed.   On the exterior, the historic terra cotta and brick facade was rehabilitated. A new plaza, entry doors and lighting were added to give the theater a stronger presence on the campus.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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September 12, 2018
in
by sean

Quaker Welcome Center

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] FCNL Education Fund Washington, DC   Located across the street from the U.S. Capitol, the Friends Committee for National Legislation had acquired the 1860s townhouse immediately adjacent to their headquarters. This three story brick building, in the Capitol Hill Historic District, had been modified and expanded over the years; most recently in the 1980s when it was converted into four residential rental units.   The program called for creation of a new flexible meeting space on the ground floor while maintaining four rental units on the upper floors.  The mission for the new Welcome Center is to provide a peaceful place for dialogue and the promotion of peace, justice, and environmental sustainability.   The GBR design preserved the original historic structure fronting C Street N.E.  The original first floor parlor was renovated to create a living room style space for small gatherings.  The rear addition was removed and re-imagined as a larger flexible meeting space that flows...

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September 12, 2018
in
by John W

DOI Strategic Workplace Planning

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Department of Interior, Main Interior Building Washington, DC   Designed in the Stripped Classical Style, the Main Interior Building (MIB) was construction in 1936 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The scope of the project involved evaluating the MIB to determine the appropriate level of alterations necessary to accommodate additional personnel and to understand the architectural and programmatic implications on the DOI’s housing strategy. The primary objective of this study was to increase efficiency in occupancy of the MIB while minimizing any impact on the building’s historic fabric. The ultimate goal was to articulate an end-state occupancy plan for the MIB that included consolidation of staff from commercial leased space over a seven-year period.   To accomplish this objective, GBR developed a Program of Requirements for bureaus currently housed in leased space. GBR also developed concept designs for workplace prototypes within a typical half-wing at the MIB. In addition to creating...

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September 10, 2018
in
by John W

Miller Center of Public Affairs

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] University of Virginia Charlottesville, Virgina   Working closely with Miller Center staff, GBR Architects designed a multimedia archive and library for this nationally recognized government and public affairs center for the study of the American presidency at the University of Virginia. This library provides reading and research space for scholars; storage for a number of collections, including digital media, books, and audiotapes; and a full compliment of office space for staff and scholars. Multiple additions weave through and around the historic Faulkner House to complete the ensemble. GBR Architects designed warm, scholarly spaces that range from personal and shared offices to larger gathering areas, such as the reading room.   GBR Architects not only connected all floors together with clear and unobstructed paths but also integrated interior and exterior to better serve Miller center functions.  A new landscaped court spans between the two additions to welcomes scholars and visitors for expanded functions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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September 6, 2018
in
by John W

Gonzaga Student Commons

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Gonzaga College High School Washington, DC Award of Merit for Excellence in Design, Inform Awards   As part of the second phase of campus renovations at Gonzaga College High School, GBR Architects created this new center for student life within the “found space” of a gritty service courtyard. The new infill building also extends across the face of the adjacent athletic center with a shared entrance façade that defines the western edge of the main campus quadrangle. With its open steel frame, exposed ductwork and clean modern details, the inserted building offers a visual counterpoint to the heavy masonry construction that characterizes this historic urban campus.   Inside the space, three historic buildings form the edges of an open commons area set on a mezzanine above an expanded dining hall. Clerestory windows bring in abundant daylight and the raw character of the old courtyard is recalled through the use of exposed brick, concrete, structural steel, and...

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July 15, 2018
in
by John W

Cantwell and Ruesch Academic Center

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Gonzaga College High School Washington, DC   Founded in 1821, this prominent Jesuit high school commissioned GBR Architects to conduct a comprehensive update of its urban campus. The resulting master plan envisioned a series of renovations and additions to provide new academic space, to update technology, and to create a friendly, safe environment by unifying the campus landscape and creating connective spaces between buildings.   The initial phase of the campus update renovated two historic buildings that years ago had been acquired by Gonzaga: the 1903 Cantwell Hall (a former grade school), and the former Notre Dame Academy for Girls (now Ruesch Hall).  These buildings, with their main facades and street entrances fronting K Street NW and North Capital Street, had their backs turned to the Gonzaga campus on Eye Street. Back doors were used as cramped inlets with student foot traffic traversing an urban alley and in-between the cars of parking lot.   To resolve these...

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