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ArchDC Winter 2017.qxp_Fall 2017 11/17/17 5:58 PM Page 88
The addition to the former low-rise building along 7th Street, SE,
with the copper-clad link, filling in the former alley, at left.
Presidential Citation for Urban Catalyst

7th & Pennsylvania, SE
Washington, DC

Weinstein Studio
Architect of Record (schematic design phase): Nelson Architects
Structural Engineers: Ehlert/Bryan, Inc.
MEP Engineers: Encon Group Inc.
Lighting Consultants: MCLA
Specifications Consultants: Heller & Metzger PC
Building Envelope Consultant: Davidson & Associates
General Contractor: American Property Company

Over the course of three decades, architect Amy Weinstein, FAIA,
working with the same owner and contractor, has been gradually
remaking the corner of 7th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, a
significant commercial hub in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
The effort began modestly with the renovation of a one-story,
Art Moderne former Kresge’s store at the northwest corner of the
intersection. This was soon followed by a three-story addition above
the original building. The result of these first two phases, with a
jazzy ornamental band taking the place of the original Kresge’s
sign and a colorful brick skin on the new upper floors, was striking.
The third phase entailed revamping two neighboring one-story
buildings on either side of the original property for new retail
tenants. The renovated façade of the Pennsylvania Avenue building
whimsically incorporated the distinctive bumpy yellow tiles normally
used as safety paving on public pedestrian paths. The 7th Street
building, by contrast, was marked by pillars clad in porcelain tiles
cut into shapes depicting local flora and fauna.
The fourth and final phase to date involved another vertical
addition, this time spanning the entire group of properties, including
what had been a narrow alley between two of the buildings. Weinstein
extended the façades of the two small neighboring buildings using
similar or complementary motifs. The narrow façade infilling the
former alley entrance is an accent piece marked by a shimmering
sliver of copper with rakishly projecting windows.
This series of projects, which Weinstein has dubbed “incremental
urbanism,” was recognized with a citation as an Urban Catalyst.
Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer

The 7th Street side building before Courtesy of
the renovation and addition. Amy Weinstein, FAIA

The vertically expanded building facing Pennsylvania Avenue, SE,
with the ground floor façade incorporating yellow safety tiles.

88 SPECIAL MENTIONS Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie Architectural Photographer