Featured Project: The Colonnade at the Creek

The Colonnade at the Creek
Miner Feinstein Architects, LLC
Takoma Park, MD

Miner Feinstein Architects (MFA) provided design and construction administration services for the renovation of this 15-building garden-style complex on an approximately four-acre site looking over Sligo Creek in the City of Takoma Park, Maryland. Each building contains two to three above grade levels and as well as a walkout ground level with private entrances. Built in 1944 the complex had not undergone a substantial renovation of the one-bedroom and two-bedroom rental units.

New Central Plaza. Photo: ©2023, Chris Kennedy Images

The building had exceeded its useful life and required substantial repairs. This impacted the health and wellbeing of its residents. It also epitomized a lack of access for those with disabilities. For example, residents with physical disabilities could not access key amenities as there were no ramps, no accessible apartments, and the management office was in a basement without an elevator. Also, residents could not control their own utilities and determine the climate of their homes. Aging infrastructure caused issues with moisture and proper heating and cooling.

Boiler Room Before Conversion. Photo: ©Miner Feinstein Architects

MFA’s renovation included reconfiguring unused spaces to create crucial three-bedroom two-bath and four-bedroom two-bath apartments for the community. This renovation included the creation of four new accessible units. Many of the original units brought to life with the restoration of the original hardwood flooring.

Boiler Room Conversion to Community Room Overlooking Sligo Creek. Photo: ©Miner Feinstein Architects

Inside each building the complete infrastructure was replaced, new MEP systems, new laundry rooms and corridors. Units received new kitchens and bathrooms with energy efficient lighting and appliances. An abandoned boiler room was transformed by MFA to create an accessible large community room with two restrooms and a kitchenette. Before renovation, the leasing office was in a non-leased unit. MFA was able to carve out unused spaces to create a two-office leasing room with lobby, meeting room, accessible bathroom and two offices.

Existing Unit Kitchen. Photo: © Miner Feinstein Architects

The exterior brick façade was repaired, new roofs were installed, and two community plazas were created, both overlooking Sligo Creek. The central plaza contains the restored colonnade, outdoor grills, outdoor seating and dining, as well as an Amazon hub that draws residence to the center of the property.

Newly Renovated Kitchen. Photo: ©2023, Chris Kennedy Images

The full renovation of the Colonnade is impactful as it provides residents with dignity and an improved quality of life through modernized infrastructure allowing them to have autonomy in their apartments and the opportunity to live in a high-quality, affordable home near transit options.

Project Award Recognitions:

Miner Feinstein Architects, LLC is an Architectural Firm Annual Partner of AIA Potomac Valley.

Visit their website for more information and projects.