wasn’t so jarring. We have strategically placed them where we think there will be the best views.” All of the townhomes are built with the latest standards of insulation and the lighting is all LED. The homes also include energy efficient mechanical systems. Federal Capital Partners and Insight Property Group developed the townhomes for the project. The condominiums at Buchanan Park were developed by Ditto Residential in two of the buildings at the former school. Two other former school buildings were demolished. The condos feature many of the characteristics of the townhomes, with the brick exterior, open floor plan and huge windows. Exposed brick walls are visible in many of the hallways in the condos. They have one-, two- and three-bedroom units, ranging from 660 to 1,406 square feet. The three-bedroom unit includes a balcony. The lobby to the condo units has a library, decorative fireplace, landscaped patio with a shared gas grill, bike storage and controlled entry system. The townhomes and condos share landscaped walkways and gathering areas. The common area is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the project, Walters says, in that it brings together

residents from both developments. “The active alleyway is one thing that is really unique,’’ he says. “We spent a lot of time thinking about what that backside of the project would be and how it could be a place for people, not just cars.” The area in which Buchanan Park was built is coveted due its proximity to shops, restaurants, transportation and schools. Even Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals, is about a two-mile walk. The Yards Park, a waterfront destination with shops, restaurants and recreational activities, is within a similar walking distance. Walters is pleased with his work from an architectural perspective, but also as a member of the Capitol Hill community. The project required planning, vision and teamwork, and he feels the park adds a rich and unique element to the neighborhood. “It’s always nice to get involved with a project that get us back into the community,’’ Walters says. “The site has been under-utilized for a number of years. Just bringing it to life was huge. But it was also about designing something that would compliment and fit seamlessly into the neighborhood. The townhomes at Buchanan Park carry the character of Capitol Hill, but they also elevate the neighborhood’s current building standard.” CCR

Thomas Renner writes frequently on building, construction, manufacturing and other topics for U.S. trade publications. He can be reached at trenner@catalystmc.com.”

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