The transformation of 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW, once a staid federal office building, continues to earn national recognition, most recently as a featured project on Hotels ByDesign Season 3, Episode 6. Airing on CBS in March, the episode spotlights The Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill, which anchors the new 425,433 square foot mixed-use development.
Located just steps from Union Station and the U.S. Capitol, this reimagined property is now home to a 274-room luxury hotel (the first hotel to open on Capitol Hill in 40 years) along with ground-floor retail and Class A office space.
The episode takes viewers behind the scenes of the transformation, offering a look at the stunning glass façade, the soaring 10-story atrium, and locally inspired artwork. Irena Savakova, VP/Director of Design for Leo A Daly, shared the vision behind the conversion:
“We added a couple of floors to the existing building and came within 1/8 of an inch of the DC height limit,” said Savakova. “This unique location needed an infusion of life and character so it would belong to both the city and the community.”
From a tired office building to an urban oasis, the conversion included carving out six levels of concrete to create an expansive central atrium. The new space, referred to in the show as an “urban living room,” now floods the interior with natural light and features a seven-story art installation inspired by historic maps and abstract design. Savaka continued,
“You start with the puzzle of an existing office building and convert that into a hotel—you have the benefit of a lot of space to use and curate. It creates that sense of air and relaxation, but also a perfect work environment.”
See the transformation for yourself. Watch for the before-and-after visuals and beautiful interiors you’d never believe once housed government cubicles:
- Producer’s Cut with extended footage of the Royal Sonesta
- Full Episode featuring five other hotels in addition to the Royal Sonesta
We congratulate Leo A Daly for a standout interview and design vision and we applaud the work of all our industry partners on this exceptional project: The RMR Group, Leo A Daly, and DPR Construction. SK&A also recognizes our team members for their contributions: Hakan Onel, PE, SE, Monika Crandall, PE, LEED AP, and Anda Shi, PE
Learn more about the project:
