Story

The project involved the renovation and fit-out of a 7,400 SF pre-Civil War-era building in Georgetown to create a two-story flagship Citibank location. The scope included structural and foundation upgrades, new mechanical systems, and a two-stop hydraulic elevator surrounded by a monumental stair. High-end finishes were featured in the Citigold lounge and employee kitchen. Major work included the demolition of a three-story glass stair, removal of ground-floor windows for a new storefront, installation of needle beams and shoring to remove load-bearing masonry walls, and underpinning of the adjacent building for the elevator pit. Historic two-story windows were restored, and the stucco façade rehabilitated to preserve the building’s character. During foundation work, crews encountered full, 1,000-gallon underground fuel tanks; a remediation team was quickly mobilized, permits were obtained from DOEE, and revised structural details allowed construction to proceed with minimal schedule impact. A 30' x 14' mat slab was poured to encapsulate original rubble foundations and support shoring towers while selectively demolishing a 175-year-old masonry wall. Grillage beams, columns, and a transfer girder were installed to expand square footage below. The team also addressed numerous unforeseen conditions, including deteriorated mortar, rubble voids, and wooden lintels, through close coordination with engineers and real-time monitoring. Design-build features included a 43' x 12' CNC-cut acoustic moss wall inspired by D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms and a cantilevered elevator system designed to fit within a tight 68” hoistway. When existing footings for the elevator pit were found to be shallower than anticipated, underpinning pits were quickly designed and installed to safely continue excavation.