Story

DAVIS recently led the construction of a complete renovation of One Washington Circle, a building that has served many functions since 1964 including a hotel, dormitory and homeless shelter. Most recently acquired by Electra America Hospitality Group with design led by Gensler, DAVIS set out to transform the dated building into a modern 151-room hotel, capitalizing on its eclectic style and proximity to iconic landmarks and prestigious institutions. The makeover also included a new lobby, fitness center, conference space and restaurant. Reimagined landscaping surrounds the property and elevates it into a sanctuary in the middle of the city. Maintaining a strict schedule was the biggest challenge of this renovation. The project was originally designed to preserve much of the existing infrastructure, but early investigations revealed that both the electrical and plumbing risers required full replacement, which required coordinating shutdowns to minimize disruptions to tenants while upgrading the system to meet modern safety and capacity standards. Shortly after mobilizing, it was also determined that additional asbestos abatement efforts would be required, necessitating additional remediation efforts, and close coordination with trade partners to maintain safety and compliance. The expanded asbestos abatement scope added another layer of complexity, demanding strict environmental controls, These unforeseen conditions required adaptability from our team to keep the project on track was completed in the nine-month schedule. Custom architectural millwork ceilings seamlessly connect the renovated lobby to the updated porte-cochere, creating a unified, elegant flow across the space. Beyond aesthetic updates, we made significant structural upgrades with below-grade concrete repairs and demolition and reconstruction of exterior storefronts and interior partitions.  The terrazzo flooring required hundreds of rectangular white chips to be laid by hand before the floor was poured. Italian composite “WOODN” baffles were installed at the porte-cochère ceiling and used to construct the restaurant terrace fence. Within the restaurant, upgrades include a new bar, multiple wine racks and wainscoting that lines the perimeter. The ceiling design serves as a standout feature, with a baffled ceiling system incorporating a felted background and an array of adjustable light fixtures to create a unique ambiance. DAVIS’ expertise in adaptive reuse and hospitality construction, as well as close communication with all stakeholders ensured One Washington Circle’s successful revitalization. Through strategic decision making that allowed for flexibility and detail-oriented craftsmanship, our team delivered a renovation that blends historic character with contemporary luxury.