Page 91 - ArchDC_Winter2017

ArchDC Winter 2017.qxp_Fall 2017 11/17/17 5:58 PM Page 89

Presidential Citation for Urban Catalyst After buying the dilapidated structure in 2013, Douglas
Development hired Antunovich Associates to convert it into a
Uline Arena mixed-use facility, accommodating outdoor retailer REI on the
Washington, DC ground floor with offices above. The architects worked to preserve
the essential exterior form of the building while adding several floors
Antunovich Associates within what had been a single hangar-like space. At the northeast
corner of the site, the façades of what was originally a semi-detached
Structural Engineers: Tadjer-Cohen-Edelson Associates
ice house were restored, while new construction within and above
MEP Engineers: SSA Engineering, LLC
the historic walls created additional rentable space. At the juncture
Civil Engineers: Dewberry
between the two main structures, the façade of the arena was pulled
Geotechnical Engineers: DMY Associates
inward a bit, leaving the ends of the building’s arched concrete
Transportation Engineers: Gorove/Slade Associates
ribs exposed, thus creating a pedestrian arcade.
Sustainability Consultants: Sustainable Building Partners
The renovation turned a challenging, awkward, but venerable
General Contractor: James G. Davis Construction Corporation
landmark intro a vibrant commercial venue that may be a harbinger
of neighboring redevelopment to come.
It’s a safe bet that millions of railway passengers traveling into or
out of Washington’s Union Station have glanced at the curious,
barrel-vaulted building at 3rd and M streets, NE, just east of the
tracks, and soon looked away, unaware of its significant place in
history. It was in that building, then known as the Washington
Coliseum, that the Beatles in 1964 gave their first concert in the
United States. For a generation (or more) of music fans, the building
was virtually hallowed ground.
Completed in 1941 and originally named Uline Arena, after
its owner Miguel Uline, it initially served as the home of the
Washington Lions hockey team. The building went on to host
professional basketball games, boxing matches, and even an
inaugural ball for President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Many other
famous musicians performed there during the Washington Coliseum
days, but eventually the arena fell into disrepair. For decades, it
was used ignominiously as a waste transfer facility.
Office lobby. Photo © Antunovich Associates

Renovated Uline Arena as seen from the northwest. Uline Arena before renovation.

Photo © Antunovich Associates

Photo © Dana Bowden

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