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Credit: Joseph Romeo

Waldorf Astoria Washington DC

An extensive renovation, rehabilitation, and redevelopment transforms Washington DC’s iconic Old Post Office into a contemporary Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

The Old Post Office, prominently situated on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the U.S. Capitol, was constructed in the late 19th century for a non-automated postal system and later became subsumed by government office space. BBB converted this historic building for hospitality use, with a complete exterior restoration including a dramatic new addition and lighting design. On the interior, BBB led the transformation of the central cortile space including the replacement of the original vast skylight, and the creation of luxurious public spaces, special meeting rooms, lounges, and bespoke guest rooms that take advantage of the range of special spaces in this unique building. BBB incorporated the public art installation known as “48 Shadow Panes” by artist Robert Irwin, a sculptural grid of translucent polyurethane fabric squares in an ever-changing dialogue with the surrounding architecture.

Between the Old Post Office and the neighboring, historic Internal Revenue Service building, BBB designed a new conference center with a luminous, laminated alabaster entrance that creates a focal point at the end of 11th Street NW and the main hotel drop-off. A museum space was also created, along the west side of the building and adjacent to the clock tower with the Congress Bells and Old Post Office museum operated by the National Park Service, to promote the history of the building and its importance to the surrounding city.

 

Client

CGI Merchant Group

Location

Washington DC

Size

502,000 SF

Completed

2023

Construction Cost

Confidential

People

FAIA
Partner, Director of the DC Office
Partner-in-Charge
AIA, AICP
Partner
Project Manager
AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Project Architect
AIA
Principal
Project Architect
Senior Associate
Architectural Historian
AIA, LEED AP
Senior Associate, Project Manager
Construction Administration
Assoc. AIA
Associate
Architectural Designer