Photo by Kerry McCullough
Wonder Bread Building 641 S St., NW, Washington, D.C.
Photo by WeWork Workspaces
Tenant fit-out work by Winmar Construction.

Renovation of the historic Wonder Bread building brought new life to a dilapidated landmark factory in the Shaw neighborhood in northwest Washington, D.C.

The restoration included a complex system of internal facade bracing and the underpinning of all exterior walls. Those actions allowed the project team to maintain all components of the building's historic exterior while starting from scratch on the interior. The interior had to be completely demolished before excavation of a new level below grade. A new multiuse building was constructed behind the preserved historic facade.

A new section of the building was constructed in the rear and on top of the existing factory to accommodate additional office space.

Renovation/Restoration: Award of Merit - Wonder Bread Building 641 S St., NW, Washington, D.C.

Key Players

Owner Douglas Development

Lead Design Firm R2L:Architects

General Contractor McCullough Construction

Structural Engineer MGV

Civil Engineer Dewberry

MEP Engineer Schwartz Sievers Anoia Engineering

Masonry Genco Masonry

Cast-In-Place Concrete Precision Concrete

HVAC & Plumbing Magnolia Plumbing

Electrical R.E. Newcomb