FOX Architects

FOX Architects Designs Amenities for Landmark Building in Washington, D.C.

May 3, 2011

Constitution Center, 400 7th Street, SW, receives upgraded amenity space designed by FOX Architects. The space includes, among others, a 400-seat auditorium and an 11,000 square-foot conference center, making this a world-class building in the heart of D.C.

MAY 3, 2011 – FOX Architects, a Washington, D.C. based interior design and architectural firm, kicked off a multi-phased amenities project for a Washington, D.C. landmark. FOX Architects, who was awarded the project in July of last year, joins an extensive consultant list that is leading the design efforts for the 1.4 million square foot building in Southwest D.C.

The building, located at 400 7th Street, SW, has been a cornerstone of Washington, D.C. for 40 years. Recently, the third generation of ownership recognized an opportunity to reinvent the building to secure its landmark status. To do so, David Nassif Associates sought out key members of the real estate industry to transform the 10-story structure into a state-of-the-art Class A office building. With the base building renovation complete, the pre-leases indicate the high caliber of design that has gone into this renovation. The project also has been highly recognized in the industry as a leader in innovation, security, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, with improvements such as blast-proof windows and chilled-beam systems, which will produce an energy savings of 10-12% each year. It is through this reinvention that this iconic building has been reborn as Constitution Center.

Challenged to think “outside the box,” FOX Architects led the design for amenity improvements that included a 400-seat auditorium, an 11,000 square foot conference center with six interconnecting rooms, a full-service café and a state-of-the art fitness center. Inspired by the legacy of the building and energized by its recent transformation, FOX went beyond the status quo to provide a design that is unique and unlike other buildings of its kind. Throughout the process, FOX has partnered with experts at each phase to ensure that every aspect of the design for all of the key amenity spaces is thoughtful, flexible and functional - increasing the overall value of the entire project. The result will be a unique and singular design that respects the iconic nature of the building while embracing its recent transformation.

“The vision for the design was to reinforce the iconic landmark by evoking a positive, cultural response that is both universal and timeless,” said Sabret Flocos, IIDA, LEED AP, Managing Partner at FOX Architects. “Each of the four inviting spaces works together connecting multiple agencies and their respective guests with one design that is truly a best-in-class solution.”

The state-of-the-art auditorium complex, which was not part of the original architecture, is now a key element that was placed in the center of the four quadrants and can accommodate more than 400 people. FOX Architects is working closely with specialty A/V, MEP and Structural consultants to achieve the optimum performance from the venue. The conference facility will consist of six rooms of varying sizes that can host an intimate group of 10 people or a 500-person gathering. The conference center will offer maximum flexibility through moveable partitions to accommodate various functions including small meetings, educational events and evening receptions. The full-service, high-end café is located on the plaza level in the main thoroughfare allowing access to the exterior courtyard. The dining area will be configured to offer several options to visitors. The back-of-house supporting elements will be located below-grade to allow for additional dining area square footage. Additionally, FOX Architects is designing a state-of-the-art fitness center accommodating up to 100 people at peak times. The center includes cardio equipment and a free-weight gym, classroom space and full service locker rooms.

About FOX Architects, LLC:

Ranked among the Largest Design Firms in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, FOX Architects is an award-winning firm of Architects, Interior Designers, and Graphic Designers with offices in Washington, D.C. and Virginia. Our portfolio highlights expertise in academic, corporate commercial headquarters spaces, government/contractors, technology, law firms, associations, and mixed-use projects at the local and national level. Our multi-disciplined design approach seamlessly incorporates both our base building architecture and interior design capabilities. The partnership of these two disciplines ensures that each project will be conceived and constructed from the inside out, and the outside in. For more information visit us online at www.fox-architects.com and follow us on Twitter @FOXArchitects.