Overview:
The redevelopment of the historic Bond Bread Factory and Washington
Railway & Electric Company (WRECO) sites has been envisioned for more than 15 years. As a result of a key approval earned late last year, the transformative revitalization project is, at long last, moving forward. The vision? To bridge the gap between Howard University's central campus and D.C.'s vibrant U street community with a careful sensitivity to the site's historical context, the needs of its surrounding community, and the inclusion of enlivened pedestrian connections on every block.
Working within complex financial, programmatic, and mission-based
criteria for the project––not to mention, a vast array of stakeholders,
including Howard University and the Bond Partnership (Fivesquares,
Menkiti, & Edens)––STUDIOS Architecture successfully championed the
dynamic masterplan to bring a 600,000 square foot mixed-use destination
to the site within the bustling Shaw neighborhood of D.C. This session will
walk through the urban renewal strategy behind the transformative
project, preserving its heritage, enhancing socioeconomic opportunities,
and defining its sense of place as an exciting destination for not only the
Duke District but also for the greater Washington, D.C. area.
Learning Objectives:
- Articulate the nuances and layers of the approvals process for a multi-interface, historic site that will define ownership under a capitalized ground lease structure
- Respond to the contextual challenges associated with reintegrating a neglected site into the existing urban fabric, balancing competing stakeholder objectives, community input, and historic preservation requirements
- Explore new possibilities for creative urban renewal, embracing creative approaches to best in-practice adaptive reuse strategies for broader community resilience and impact
Presented by:
Marnique Heath, FAIA
Principal and Board Chair, STUDIOS Architecture
Marnique Heath, FAIA, is a Principal in the Washington, DC, office of
STUDIOS Architecture and Chair of the Board of Directors of STUDIOS
nationally. Marnique's practice spans many project types and scales,
including mixed-use developments, K-12 education projects, parks, and
civic work. Her projects catalyze communities, infuse cultural heritage, and breathe new life into existing buildings. Her lived experience compels her to lead with a sense of humility, instilling the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in her work. She serves as Chair of the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Review Board.
Cameo Roehrich, AIA
Associate Principal, STUDIOS Architecture
Cameo Roehrich, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Amb, is an Associate Principal at STUDIOS Architecture in the Washington DC office. Cameo’s 16-year career has been focused on community-centered projects that make a difference in the neighborhoods and cities in which they reside, particularly since she worked at a social enterprise in Kenya. While at STUDIOS, her contributions range from large-scale masterplans, mixed-use developments, and civic & institutional projects, including K-12, higher ed, and cultural centers, all with the intent to elevate the voices of their occupants.