1900 K Street Repositioning
A sophisticated renovation brings hospitality atmosphere and best-in-class amenities to the discerning tenants of this trophy office building on Washington's K Street corridor.
Client
Hines
Location
Washington, DC
Markets/Services
Workplace, Commercial Office Buildings, Architecture, Interiors, MEP Engineering
Size
14,000 GSF
To retain and attract top-tier tenants to a handsome office building designed by architect César Pelli, longstanding client Nuveen, a global investment management company and construction management partner Hines, engaged SmithGroup to bring updated amenities to the building's public spaces. The first phase of a multi-phase renovation added a signature rooftop terrace and penthouse lounge, an upgraded and expanded fitness facilities, including a new bicycle room with changing/shower facilities. The second phase focuses on enhancements to the two-story lobby, showcasing the building's rotunda, greatly enhancing its street presence.
SmithGroup drew on its hospitality and workplace expertise to maximize the function and aesthetic appeal of 1900 K Street. Recognizing the intricacies of the flexible workplace strategy in a post-pandemic environment, SmithGroup alongside Nuveen and Hines, implemented a design solution to create both dynamic work environments and lifestyle spaces that provide a sense of relaxation and escape. From the sophisticated lobby to the rooftop terrace and penthouse lounge, the upgrades reflect Nuveen's reputation for providing best-in-class service and amenities to its clients. Upon completion of Phase I, the project received an award of excellence for Best Amenity Space from the DC/Maryland chapter of NAIOP, while recently delivered Phase II completes the ultimate vision of the design and landlord team.
The original 7,000-square-foot roof deck had not been updated since the building delivered but was recast as a year-round indoor/outdoor lounge, bringing an enticing new space to the building tenants.
Window walls dissolve the boundaries between interior and exterior, offering a flexible array of workspaces, casual seating, intimate outdoor rooms, and event venues with panoramic views of the Washington skyline. Sophisticated lighting, shade pergolas, fire pits and other details allow for daytime and evening use year-round.
Phase II of the project brings a contemporary refresh to the lobby and exposed lower-level lounge area. A striking light fixture adds an exclamation point to the two-story curtain wall and rotunda, restoring the building's architectural prominence at street level. Virtual and augmented reality tools helped the client envision the impact of this lighting solution. The rotunda became a unifying element throughout the 13-story building, used for shared amenity spaces and conference rooms on each floor. The curvilinear form is also expressed in the building's logo and graphics. Interlocking circles grow and shrink in scale, used for decorative wallcoverings, privacy screens, and wayfinding from the garage to a new cyclist locker room and elevator bays.
SmithGroup provided a complete package of integrated services, engaging architecture, MEP/life safety engineering, interior design, lighting, furniture specification, environmental graphics, and styling and accessories procurement to create a turn-key space. It reestablishes 1900 K Street as a top-tier property in downtown DC, commensurate with the high standards of the client, the tenants, and the architectural integrity of the building.