U Street

Northwest Corner of 14th and W Street, NW

Here’s some history from the Historic Preservation Review Board:

2202 14th Street was constructed in 1911 and designed by architects Spieden and Spieden, a prominent local firm active from the 1890s until the 1930s. As originally designed, the purpose – built commercial building had a slate pent roof with an eyebrow dormer, bracketed eaves, a brick façade with six – over one windows on the upper floor and a 3’ x 9’ projecting storefront window on the first floor. The pent roof, dormer and brackets remain, but the slate has been removed. While obscured by a metal mesh screen, the second floor elevation remains intact underneath, including the original windows and decorative iron window boxes. The first floor has been altered with the loss of the storefront and damage to the brick when a later stone veneer was removed. Despite its somewhat deteriorated condition, as part of the review of a previous concept for the site in 2005, the Board determined the building to retain sufficient integrity to be considered contributing to the historic district. The corner lot at 2200 14th has been vacant since prior to the designation of the historic district in 1999.

And the plans from Community Three Development:

The District’s 14th Street corridor renaissance has proven good urban-oriented design can resurrect long-dilapidated areas and create a solid foundation for community progress. Home to one of the hardest hit streets during the 1968 Washington, DC riots, this neighborhood has come full circle with the infusion of some of the city’s most coveted new residential, commercial, and cultural uses.

Working closely with the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Office and local neighborhood groups, Community Three employed a design strategy for Fourteen which reinvigorates a small corner site home only to a fortified commercial structure and the memory of former buildings. The composite design, which removes the protective fetters of the once solid commercial façade returning it to urban service, compliments the new surrounding architectural fabric with blend of orderly tectonic components and illuminating floor-to-ceiling modern forms.

Eighteen elegantly appointed residences comprise this boutique property, with direct access to one Washington’s most vibrant entertainment and commercial hubs. The top floor hosts a one-of-a-kind penthouse, offering direct elevator access and sweeping southern views of the city skyline.

Ground floor commercial uses are restored at the property with renewed vigor, adding excitement to the street level and a completion to the restoration of this high-profile intersection. Fourteen completes the resurrection of this unique intersection and sets the foundation for a new chapter of prosperity in one of Washington’s most cherished locales.

Rendering after the jump. (more…)