22 West Was Uniquely Designed
Old cities can present certain dilemmas when it comes to new commercial or residential developments. This is particularly true in a place like Washington, DC where the unique design of the original roadways poses extra challenges. A case in point is 22 West with its luxurious condos for sale in the West End neighborhood, where a lot of land became available, but its shape and location was hindering redevelopment.
Located at 1177 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
To understand more fully, you have to go back to Washington, DC's original planning by Pierre L’Enfant. In 1791, the Frenchman drew a map in which ceremonial spaces and wide radial avenues would converge with a more conventional grid of north/south and east/west streets. Circles, squares and rectangles would become spaces where the public could gather. The round shapes, such as Dupont, Logan and Washington Circles, would serve as traffic roundabouts—first for horses and buggies, and later for cars. Grand avenues radiating out from the circles would lead to an unusually high number of triangular intersections.
Over time, as the city grew up around this unusual amalgam of roadways, builders learned to adapt. This is one of the reason there are so many oddly shaped structures in the nation’s capital. But not all triangles were owned by the same entities, and the sharing of these spaces would also cause some thorny issues. Now, fast forward all the way to the 20th century and strange little piece of land that was purchased by the prolific developer Eastblanc, with the idea of offering design-forward urban residences for sale.
Said property at the convergence of 22nd Street and New Hampshire Avenue, sits immediately next to a working gas station that occupies the sharp corner of the very same triangle. Adding to Eastblanc’s woes, the gas station owners were in no mood to move. The dilemma, by now, should be apparent. Enter the architectural firm of Shalom Baranes Associates, known for an ability to adapt to existing buildings and spaces in DC, while also creating new and enduring architecture through creative and intelligent responses.
The firm embraced the challenge by creating a structure that curves around the service station while also utilizing it—via a new station roof that connects to the 22 West building. More important is what’s on top of the roof—a garden! As architect Robert M. Sponseller later remarked, “We came up with this sculptural piece that’s topped by a floating garden.” Apart from the novel concept of a fuel stop as sculpture, everything worked out quite nicely. In fact, the sleek building with its striking Zinc and glass skin earned the 2009 RADA Grand Award for Best Multifamily Design in the United States.
Apartments for sale at 22 West are just as memorable as the building’s exterior, huge floor-to-ceiling windows allowing abundant light to bathe the blonde hardwood floors in a natural glow. Fireplaces, private terraces and modern open kitchens with LEED certified appliances add to the allure. There’s also a roof deck with swimming pool, lounges, a kitchen and grills, as well as front desk and concierge, a clubroom, business center and garage parking.
The West End Location
22 West is located at 1177 22nd Street, two blocks from Washington Circle and the campus of George Washington University. The popular Rasika West End restaurant is on the ground floor of the complex, with lots of other great dining options within easy strolling distance. Also nearby is the West End Landmark Cinema and the West End Library.
To learn more about 22 West, call Andre Perez at District Partners at Compass, 202-798-3600.
Posted by Andre Perez on
Leave A Comment