Nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C.’s historic Georgetown district, a 1930s-era incinerator building has been radically transformed into a mixed-use hotel, retail space, and multiplex theatre complex by architects Gary Edward Handel & Associates of New York City in partnership with Shalom Baranes & Associates of Washington, D.C. The building’s architectural focal point is restoration of the main structure, now the hotel’s lobby and meeting lounge, complete with a 130-foot-tall brick smokestack that serves as a reminder of Georgetown’s once-thriving waterfront industries. Developed by Millennium Partners of New York City and managed by Ritz-Carlton Hotels, this new multipurpose facility offers 52 deluxe rooms, 29 executive suites, 5 luxury suites, plus a limited collection of residential condominiums.

The building integrates an “Art Deco goes Industrial” style in concert with Modern appointments and materials. Original red brick walls complement metal-beamed ceilings, Modern light fixtures, and dark shale flooring, while dark brick and oak-paneled walls create a soft firelight glow to enhance the intimate “boutique hotel.” The incinerator/fire theme continues with the hotel’s restaurant, known as “Fahrenheit,” and a bar known as “Degrees.” Guest rooms offer panoramic views of Washington’s Potomac River and the quaint town homes of Georgetown.

The architects jumped several regulatory hurdles in the course of this project. They needed to get design and code approval from the federal Commission of Fine Arts, the city’s Historic Preservation Review Board, and two neighborhood commissions. “Historic preservation has become one of the most intensely regulated segments of the built environment in this country,” adds Handel. “Our task was made easier through a collaborative effort with our developer partners, as well as a supportive group of dedicated citizens seeking creative utilization for a vibrant part of their community.”

Officially opened in April 2003, the 590,000-square-foot complex quickly has become a popular attraction for local residents and visitors alike. “One of our main objectives for creating this project was promoting the aesthetic and economic value of the mixed-use, synergistic integration concept,” says chief architect Gary E. Handel, AIA. “As the popularity for multiuse facilities grows in commercial urban areas, our team designed a hybrid building offering greater accessibility for those seeking luxurious lodging accommodations. We believe these types of projects offer new and exciting possibilities for urban renewal and historic preservation.”

The architects also saved and restored three adjacent homes from the turn of the 19th century, including the residence of Robert Peter, Georgetown’s first mayor. This home now serves as the hotel property’s administrative offices. “The architects did a superb job preserving these original structures while creating a luxurious personalized environment for our customers,” says Jennifer Brown, Ritz-Carlton Georgetown general manager. “Working within existing space constraints, they achieved a truly unique design that complements and enhances the visual quality of the neighborhood.”
—Jonathan Moore

Copyright 2003 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. Home Page