SK&A Structural Engineers is delighted to be part of the American Housing projects at Park Regent and Park Meridian, two historic buildings in Upper Northwest Washington, D.C. that are being renovated to improve affordable housing in the city.
Both projects were financed in partnership with Amazon’s affordable housing preservation fund. The 10-story Park Meridian full gut renovation features around 70 layout conversions through the enclosure of exterior balconies and reprogramming of existing floor plans. The work at Park Regent, originally constructed in 1909, included lowering the basement, thereby gaining space for nine more large apartments, ultimately offering a total of 105 residential units.
Through these projects, SK&A is helping to preserve historic buildings and also contribute to the enhancement of affordable housing in Washington, D.C. Together with the Akseizer Design Group (ADG) architects and the entire construction team, we are working to make these structures safe, sustainable, and ready to serve the community for years to come.
Park Regent: 1701 Park Road
Park Regent is located in the vibrant Mount Pleasant neighborhood. SK&A’s Repair + Restoration group conducted condition assessments of the existing exterior façade and building structure. Our Rope Access Team documented the condition of the multi-wythe brick masonry façades, architectural elements, and structural framing systems. Our assessments included detailed recommendations and cost estimates for necessary repairs to be integrated into the overall renovation.
Park Regent’s significant modifications included relocating existing steel columns and structural steel framing throughout the basement, and modification of existing columns, multi-wythe load-bearing walls, elevator shafts, and footers to lower the existing basement slabs. Additionally, we designed new structural steel framing extending from the existing steel framing (and above the wood-framed roof structure) for the installation of new steel dunnage platforms and screen walls for new mechanical equipment.
Park Meridian: 2637 16th Street NW
Park Meridian is situated in the eclectic Columbia Heights neighborhood. Like at Park Regent, our Rope Access Team conducted condition assessments of the exterior façade and building structure, documenting the condition of the masonry façades, architectural elements, balconies, and structural framing systems. Our findings and recommendations provided a roadmap for the necessary repairs to be included in the renovation plans.
Our structural engineering services for Park Meridian included designing new steel columns and footers to convert exterior balcony tiers into new apartment bedrooms. We also detailed structural repairs throughout the existing concrete framing and designed new steel dunnage framing to support new mechanical equipment. The project also involved extensive repairs to the existing brick masonry veneer and exposed slab edges of the façade.
Summary
SK&A’s detailed condition assessments and innovative structural engineering solutions were instrumental to the success of these renovations. By transforming complex concepts into actionable plans, we help bring new life to historic buildings, ensuring they meet modern standards while preserving their historic essence.
In celebrating these achievements, we acknowledge the hard work and expertise of our team, whose dedication supports the success of these projects.
Sources:
- Wishingrad, Emily. (12 Jan 2024). Bisnow. “This Week’s DC Deal Sheet.” https://www.bisnow.com/washington-dc/news/deal-sheet/this-weeks-dc-deal-sheet-122397
- Park Regent. American Housing. https://americanhousing.com/project/park-regent/
- Park Meridian. American Housing. https://americanhousing.com/project/meridian-heights/
