Alan Karchmer
625 Rhode Island Avenue, Architect: Suzane Reatig
Reatig and her team drew inspiration for the project design largely from its unique lot. “The configuration of the site was key for us, because it’s this long, triangular site that gets narrow toward the back. We had a lot of fun studying different configurations that would fit and make sense,” says Megan Mitchell, an associate at the firm.
Getting In On the Ground Floor
The church later commissioned Reatig to create housing developments on those parcels of land. The most recent is In Living Color, which joins three other Reatig-designed developments on the same block. Reatig has built a strong presence in Shaw–the projects, and their effect on neighborhood revitalization, are collected in Reatig’s first book, A Clear View, being published next month.
“When you do urban planning, you don’t start with the buildings,” Reatig says. “This lot was surrounded by two alleys and a street … so we recessed the building from the alley and did this garden that really made the project.”
Along with the garden, a central courtyard and green roof that includes various semi-private gathering spots facilitate outdoor living. The roof wasn’t originally designed to be occupied, Mitchell says, but the team so loved the views that they bargained with the contractor to find a way to include livable space.
To help the building mesh with its vibrant neighborhood, the team included brightly-colored rainscreen panels imported from Netherlands-based manufacturer Trespa. Unlike painted façades, the laminate panels will stand up to the elements without fading, Reatig explains, adding to the block’s dynamic appeal.
Want to see more of this project? Take a video tour of In Living Color with BUILDER magazine:
