Project Introduction

The SeVerna is a key component of the Northwest One (NW1) Revitalization Plan, which looks at creating a vibrant, mixed-income community in the neighborhood delineated by Mt. Vernon Triangle and NOMA (North of Massachusetts Avenue), in Washington, DC.

The Severna is an urban block located at the heart of NW1, on 1^st Street, between K and L streets, NW. The first phase of the project includes the new construction of 48 affordable tax-credit residential units in a 5-story midrise building and 12 two-over-two townhomes connected to the midrise. The second phase of the project includes a PUD design for the new construction of a 9-story high rise along K Street. This presentation package features the schematic design for the first phase of the project.

Context

The existing neighborhood is composed of buildings that offer a diversity of services: educational (Gonzaga School), religious (Bible Way Temple), residential (Golden Rule Plaza Senior Apts. & Golden Rule Apts.), among others. The site also has access to public transportation and is conveniently located near interstate highway I-395 and other main thoroughfares.

The neighborhood is experiencing current redevelopment: the recently completed Walker Jones elementary school, new offices along North Capitol Street, including plans for the new National Public Radio headquarters. Similar redevelopment has occurred across I-395, with mixed-use residential and retail projects (City Vista/Safeway, Yale Steam Lofts, etc).

Design Approach

The massing of the block responds to the existing context and is generated by two L-shaped buildings with heights that step up counterclockwise: the 4-story townhomes along L Street and the 5-story midrise along 1^st street create the first L, while the high rise along K Street (8-stories) and 1^st Terrace (9-story) generate the second L. Both L’s are separated by an access drive and a green courtyard.

The two components of Phase 1 (townhomes and midrise building) are located at the property line and address L and 1^st streets respectively. Although the townhomes and the midrise are two different (but connected) entities, they are articulated by the use of the same materials and architectural language.

The design of The SeVerna follows Green Communities guidelines.