2025 East Best Projects
Award of Merit, Interior/Tenant Improvement: 1445 New York Avenue, NW
1445 New York Avenue, NW
Washington D.C.
Award of Merit
Submitted by Gilbane Building
Owner: Cushman & Wakefield Inc.
Lead Design Firm: Little Diversified Architectural Consulting Inc.
Construction Manager at-Risk: Gilbane Building
Structural Engineer: Tarantino Engineering Consultants Inc.
MEP Engineer: CFR Engineering
Subcontractors: Advanced Fire Protection Systems; Century Painting; Fidelity Mechanical Services; Miller Construction Inc.; National Technology Integrators; Next 150 Construction Services; Ponte Gadea Washington; Selective Demolition; Structural Preservation Systems; VMC Contracting Inc.
The comprehensive renovation transformed 7,500 sq ft of interior space within a historic bank building while maintaining full occupancy throughout construction.
The scope of work focused on modernizing the building’s common areas—including the entrance, main lobby, mezzanine level and lower-level amenity spaces—with new finishes and major lighting upgrades that enhanced both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Working through four different types of structural systems was made more difficult by inaccurate as-built documents. The use of laser scanning, surveying and pilot holes ensured work was performed safely and successfully.
The project also required structural reinforcement of an existing concrete slab to support installation of a new staircase system, creating improved vertical circulation between the lobby and mezzanine levels.
Weekly progress meetings with representatives from all trades, building management and key tenants fostered proactive problem-solving and prevented conflicts between building systems upgrades and ongoing operations.
