On Thursday, October 23rd, SK&A Senior Principal Hakan Onel, PE, SE, joined a panel of industry experts at a ULI Washington event to discuss the structural engineering challenges and solutions behind the adaptive reuse of 1425 New York Avenue, NW—now known as The Accolade.
The session, titled Behind the Build: Accolade’s Journey from Office to Residential, offered a behind-the-scenes look at how the project team transformed a former Department of Justice office building into a vibrant 243-unit residential community in the heart of Washington, DC. Hakan shared insights into the structural complexities and innovative solutions that helped bring the architect’s vision to life, turning existing constraints into opportunities for design efficiency and sustainability.
Panelists included:
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Jay Kelly, Foulger Pratt
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Michael Goodman, Clark Construction
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Hakan Onel, SK&A Structural Engineers
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Brian J. Hanlon, DC Department of Buildings
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Siti Abdul-Rahman, WDG
Following the panel discussion, attendees toured the completed building—experiencing firsthand how adaptive reuse revitalized the property with features such as a lush open-air courtyard, panoramic rooftop views, and sustainable design strategies that contribute to the city’s housing and livability goals.
