ORO Editions

Artistic Affordability

THE JORDAN

The Washington, D.C., suburb of Arlington, Virginia, is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the country. This 90-unit building reconceptualizes affordable housing in this increasingly high-end neighborhood. Adjacent to public transportation — along with easily walkable retail, entertainment and restaurants — the complex gives residents ready access to myriad services.

Built above the parking garage of a stalled office building, an innovative land swap deal engineered by county planners catalyzed a larger project, spurring completion of the entire surrounding development. The design team quickly generated concept drawings and received approval in mere months. The fast yet thorough and thoughtful efforts yielded this four-story, wood-framed masonry building functioning as a visual transition between a high-rise office to the east and rowhouses and single-family dwellings to the west.

ALL A change in the brick color and glazing pattern indicates the building’s corner entrance.