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Alley façade of J Linea.

details such as its gold-colored composite metal residential bar [i.e., the typical rectangular residential
panels, segment and punctuate the residential tower’s floorplate] and preserving some of the footprint of the
elevations in a lively manner, creating major and existing two-story building, we were able to open up
minor rhythms in the design and breaking down the 8th Street and improve the pedestrian impact. This also
building’s apparent mass. prompted the orientation of the outdoor roof amenity
The owners “knew they wanted a project that space to face views from the east, south, and west. In
would stand up to the competition that this emerging fact, the western view gives you a shot directly
and trendy neighborhood provides, so our initial down U Street.”
concept was to save the existing structure even though The biggest structural challenge by far “was
there wasn’t a requirement to do so,” said Laurence incorporating the existing structure while trying to
Caudle, AIA, director of housing and a principal at maximize the FAR [floor-area ratio] of the building,”
the firm. “We wanted to give this new building a real said Guil Almeida, AIA, LEED Green Assoc., the
connection to the site’s past. It also pushed the design senior project designer and a senior associate at the
into directions that otherwise would not have firm. This task “resulted in not being able to align the
been considered.” façade of the existing building with our new floor
J Linea “is located on a mid-block site along a levels. The challenge turned out to be an enormous
rather narrow street, but the curve along Florida opportunity, as the resulting multi-level loft units are
Avenue provided us with an interesting design among the building’s most desirable, featuring soaring
opportunity,” Caudle added. “By angling the typical ceilings and generous outdoor spaces.”

16 ALL THE RIGHT ANGLES