This project set a precedent as the first conversion of a downtown office building into housing in the history of the District of Columbia. The Mather Building, located in the Downtown Historic District, was built as an office building in 1917. It was then converted to academic use by the University of the District of Columbia in 1967, and abandoned in 1989 until its revival in 2001.

Detailed historic research helped restore the gothic revival terra cotta facade to its original condition. The building conversion into a mixed-income, multi-family residential space provides affordable housing for artists as well as market-rate condominiums. The building contains the Gallery at Flashpoint (a community gallery) and the Coors Dance Studio on the ground level as well as a new rooftop penthouse that provides spectacular views of the National Mall.

The project, an exception to the District of Columbia Height Act, was completed after extensive coordination with and unanimous approval by the District’s Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), and Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC).

2006 Catalyst Award
Washington, DC Chapter Of The American Institute Of Architects

2006 Award In Historic Resources, Potomac Valley Chapter Of The American Institute Of Architects

2005 Builder’s Choice Adaptive Reuse Award, Builder Magazine

2004 Historic Resources Award,
Washington Chapter Of The American Institute Of Architects