1445 New York Ave
ENR East, Award of Merit, 2025
Overview
The renovation delivered a fully reimagined lobby within a historic, occupied office building in Washington, DC. All work was completed while the building remained operational, requiring careful evaluation of existing conditions, detailed phasing, and close coordination with building management to minimize disruption to daily activities. Structural modifications were executed with precision to respect the landmark nature of the building while meeting contemporary performance requirements.
The design and construction teams worked collaboratively to document original structural systems, analyze load paths, and integrate new elements seamlessly into the existing framework. Major structural improvements included the creation of a new opening in the mezzanine concrete slab to accommodate a feature stair, requiring meticulous load redistribution to preserve the integrity of the surrounding structure. Additional analysis and reinforcement of the existing floor slab supported the new stair connection between the lobby and mezzanine levels. New steel framing and anchorage were carefully integrated into the existing construction, achieving modern structural performance while preserving the building’s historic character.