Story

Located at 1634 I Street NW, the building underwent a transformation both inside and out, converting it into a Tatte Bakery & Café. Just blocks away from the White House, this is an existing commercial building with office spaces situated above the café. The existing building structure and age provided unique challenges during construction. Reinforcing the existing beam beneath the lower rooftop units with carbon fiber plating was imperative to support the weight of the new equipment, as the limited space prohibited the addition of a new beam to the building’s foundation. Prior to erecting new walls, the existing CMU walls and brick required patching and repairing, especially in openings and holes that resulted from wear over time. Further ensuring structural integrity required reinforcement of the slab underneath areas where core penetrations were made around the mainline and barista bar. The location also features a new storefront with a striking curved façade, extending into the bustling street corner. This renovated storefront boasts all-new framing and glass, accompanied by French double wood entry doors and a side door, and complemented by a painted façade adorned with distinctive trim details. The challenge in constructing the exterior façade, required the installation of a new parapet wall on top of the existing concrete bulkhead to accommodate the Tatte signage. Issues such as bubbling due to sunlight and heat exposure on the laminate panels necessitated patching and repair work to restore the façade's appearance.Tectum panels, renowned for their sound-absorbing capabilities, were installed and served as a buffer, effectively dampening any construction-related noises and ensuring the building’s tenants remained undisturbed. The 3,983 square foot café beckons guests with its inviting atmosphere, where they are welcomed by a retail counter adorned with sleek white subway tiles and a marble countertop that offers stools for patrons to enjoy the sights and smells as they dine. Inside a glass case with dark wood accents, the café's freshly baked goods are on display. The space also features a sophisticated dark wood barista bar, with a square brass chandelier overhead, which is adorned with orb-like light fixtures illuminating the area. Along the perimeter are brown leather banquettes, complemented by bistro chairs and marble circular tables. Along one wall is a display of white subway tiles, with thin black tiles in rectangular patterns. In the center of the wall are the words “FARRAGUT SQUARE” created out of checkered tiles, a distinctive design hallmark of Tatte, which names each retail location after its geography and prominently showcases it within the café. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Tatte Bakery & Cafe expanded into the DC Metro Area in 2020 and currently has locations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Tzurit Or founded Tatte on the principles of creating a sense of home and community and is grounded in the mission of bringing people together. In realizing the popularity of all its locations, Tatte has masterfully achieved its goals while remaining authentic to its core values.