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Lobby before renovation.

Seating area off the lobby of Sedgwick Gardens.

Seating area before renovation.

Historic Landmarks. Consequently, Bonstra | Haresign’s
work in this case consisted mostly of restoration. The
architects refurbished the columns and the central fountain,
which appear to be marble but are actually finished
primarily in scagliola, a mix of cement and marble chips.
The large skylight, metalwork, and historic light fixtures
were also restored. As is often the case in sensitive
restorations, much of the architects’ hard work is not
directly evident—steam pipes, for instance, were rerouted
through the ceiling in order to prevent further damage in
the event of future leaks.
The project also included some modest enhancements,
which were carefully executed so as to minimize the impact
on the original structure and finishes. These include the
relocation of residents’ mailboxes, the replacement of
Main staircase.
anodized aluminum entry doors with brass versions more
like the original ones, and the addition of a concierge
Sedgwick Gardens desk incorporating a grille based on existing metalwork

in the space. The architects also inserted a private leasing
One of the most distinguished—and eccentric—apartment
office with glass partitions kept separate from the historic
buildings in DC is Sedgwick Gardens, at 3726 Connecticut
structure. New furniture was selected to complement
Avenue, NW. Built in 1931, it was the work of Mihran
reupholstered original pieces while subtly adding a more
Mesrobian, an Armenian-American architect who designed
modern touch. The ceiling of the lobby was redesigned to
a number of prominent buildings in the city. Sedgwick
rationalize the somewhat chaotic beam structure while
Gardens is an exotic concoction of Moorish, Byzantine,
providing space for new utilities and a small number of
and Art Deco motifs, which are especially evident in the
additional light fixtures.
octagonal lobby. Although the space was generally in good
On the exterior, the architects oversaw minor
condition, some of the columns had been damaged by
improvements to the entryway, replacement of lower
ruptured steam pipes, much of the furniture was out of
level windows, and re-landscaping of the courtyards.
date, and certain functional improvements were needed.
Sedgwick Gardens is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places and both its exterior and interiors are DC
UNCOMMON SPACES 69