Great things can happen when an architect, a developer, and a conservationist collaborate to preserve the historic charm of a 19th-century, wood-sided Victorian home. This project had it all: intersections of old and new, contemporary glass renovations, warm wood siding, and a painstaking process with the city’s Historic Preservation Office. As promised, the beautiful new structure houses eight luxury condominiums set within the historic U Street Corridor of Washington, DC.

Old greets new, bringing together the best of both worlds. The front façade harmonizes with the character of the street and the adjacent structures that were built in a similar era, while the rear addition allowed for a more modern aesthetic. We used frameless corner glass and warm wood siding to delicately attach the rear addition. The glass helped to smooth the transition, and the wood softened the hard lines.

Since the structure is uniquely situated within an urban setting flanked by a wooded hillside, we used glass to allow the natural light to stream in and maximize the natural views.

We also added a roof-top deck that offers a 360-degree view of the city, including a glimpse of the Washington Monument. This space can serve as a communal or private area. With all of the new spaces, the resulting structure maintains vintage charm that respects its history, while being infused with a modern flare that allows for contemporary living spaces.