Award of Excellence
Best Renovation

Project Team

700 LLC - (Developer)
Architecture Inc. - (Architect)
Donohoe Construction Company - (General Contractor)

Executive Summary

After sitting vacant for several years, this 1920s era hospital in the heart of Washington DC's Capitol Hill neighborhood was converted into a luxury apartment building through a complete roof to basement renovation. The work preserved the historic qualities of the building that fit in with the neighborhood's style.

Since its closure 1n the 1990s, the abandoned building had become problematic to its neighbors. In 2011, the District of Columbia Zoning Administration finally approved a redevelopment and restoration plan for 700 Constitution. In 2014, work began on the building, returning it to its former glory and yet again making it a vibrant part of Capitol Hill.

The development team is well known for its historic renovations throughout DC and worked closely with the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), Capitol Hill Restoration Society, and the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) on approval for the buildings final appearance. Its location boasts unobstructed views of the US Capitol and Washington Monument from the rooftop, and residents can enjoy a vibrant neighborhood with world class dining, art, and history.

The design team was committed to maintain the historic fabric of the building while still providing the contemporary floor plan and elements young renters look for in their apartments.To maintain the façade, the original brick was repaired and key entrance canopies and cast stone elements were replaced. Additional square footage was added to the back of the building and offers a more contemporary vibe while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic throughout the building, beautifully merging the old with the new. Unique design elements can be seen throughout the building, from the crown molding in the apartments to the modern fireplace set between classic pillars in the lobby.

Ground water was discovered at the same elevation of the elevator pit foundation footers which required the installation of deep pile foundation and the elimination of the lowest elevator stop. Labor was moved to the preexisting structure to accommodate schedule changes the issue caused.

Demolition revealed four different structural systems in varying states of soundness. Former exterior masonry walls with Palladian-style windows were uncovered intact, sandwiched between walls of later construction. The original hospital layout needed to be modified as it did not provide room for the apartment plans required in today's rental market. The main corridors needed to be relocated and a steel frame and concrete were added to the rear of the building to increase square footage.

New residents at 700 Constitution will have access to high end amenities including a private grand courtyard with plentiful seating and fire pits The rooftop terrace offers additional seating, grills, and unobstructed views of the Capitol, Washington Monument, and surrounding DC neighborhoods. The building includes a fully equipped fitness and yoga studio and a dog spa for its four-legged residents.

Each apartment has granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Nine foot ceilings are accented with crown molding, and full high windows bring in natural light and provide scenic neighborhood and courtyard views. Every unit has a washer-dryer and state of the art electronic locks.