West End Square 50

Washington, DC

Program

A new 9-story, 96,810 square foot mixed-use building including 61 affordable dwelling units totaling 55,000-sf, a fire station totaling 19,000-sf, and a squash club of 21,000-sf. Scope of work includes a one level below-grade garage for 24 vehicles.

Description

West End Square 50 is a distinctive mixed-use development in Washington D.C.'s West End neighborhood, developed on city-owned land with WDG Architecture as Executive Architect and Ten Arquitectos as Design Architect.

The project integrates three programs in a dynamic composition: Engine Company No. 1's fire station at street level with its striking red perforated metal façade, a two-story glass-enclosed squash athletic facility with a public terrace, and six floors of affordable residential housing above. The building's stacked volumes create visual interest by alternately pushing and pulling against the street wall.

West End Square 50 demonstrates successful integration of diverse urban programs in a single building while enhancing the neighborhood's architectural character and social fabric.

My Role

As Project Manager for WDG Architecture, I coordinated all aspects of the architectural process while serving as the primary liaison between the design team, client, and construction partners. Beyond standard project management duties, I specialized in navigating Washington DC's complex zoning requirements, took ownership of critical life safety elements, and led the design development of residential units to ensure both compliance and optimal living environments throughout all phases of the project.