Story

The Stead Park Recreation Center project, located in the Dupont Circle Historic District of Washington, DC, involved the revitalization of a 1.5-acre public park and the modernization of a historic building. The transformation included significant site improvements, a full interior and exterior modernization, and a 10,000-square-foot addition. Designed to promote movement, play, interaction, accessibility, and inclusive programming, the project serves as a dynamic community hub for this vibrant urban neighborhood. The enhanced facility now features a wide range of amenities, including a large outdoor plaza, separate playgrounds for different age groups, a splash pad, performance stage, outdoor basketball courts, picnic areas, new turf field, running track, and indoor recreational facilities. These elements were thoughtfully integrated to support year-round community engagement and wellness. Throughout its history, Stead Park has been a hub for residents, offering a space for outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and community events. At the heart of the facility is the Historic Carriage House, which now serves as the primary entrance. Originally constructed in 1888, the building underwent careful restoration, including masonry repairs, façade preservation, and installation of high-performance windows designed to match the original appearance. The restored structure is now seamlessly connected to the new addition, and houses flexible multipurpose rooms, a large gathering space, a fitness area, and a demonstration kitchen—all designed to accommodate diverse ages, abilities, and community needs. Through rigorous quality control measures, we ensured that both the new construction and restoration of the Historic Carriage House met the highest standards of craftsmanship and preservation. The recreation center is LEED Silver Certified and is recognized as Washington, DC’s first Net Zero Ready Recreation Center. Sustainability features include 16 geothermal wells, natural daylighting, a high-performance building envelope, low-energy mechanical systems, bioretention areas, and provisions for future solar panels. Tree plantings in the entry court and stair landings contribute to both environmental performance and aesthetic appeal. Construction was completed on a tight urban site, adjacent to an operational elementary school. Understanding the turf field and playground’s significance to the community, our team ensured both features remained open throughout the project and closely coordinated with school staff and neighbors to prioritize safety, minimize disruption, and schedule work around school operations and residential needs.