2025 East Best Projects
Award of Merit, Renovation/Restoration: Dorothy I. Height Elementary School
Dorothy I. Height Elementary School
Washington D.C.
Award of Merit
Submitted by GCS-SIGAL
Owner: DC Dept. of General Services
Lead Design Firm/General Contractor: CGS Architects
General Contractor: GCS-SIGAL
Civil Engineer: Wiles Mensch Corp. – DC
Structural Engineer: Yun Associates
MEP Engineer: Engenium Group
Geotechnical: GEI Consultants
Building Envelope: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Subcontractors: Dynamic Contracting; Genco Masonry; General Welding Co.; Linear Surveys; Modulus; Potomac Abatement; Stefron; Tobar Construction
Located on a tight urban site, the $66-million project revitalized two historic structures and connected them with a new two-story addition to create a unified, high-performance 93,000-sq-ft campus.
The school supports a broad range of instructional, developmental and community functions. Programmed spaces include classrooms, small group rooms, a gymnasium, library, cafeteria, makerspace, art and music rooms and a health suite.
Shared-use spaces are available for after-school programs, performances and neighborhood events, making the school a hub for the broader community.
A green roof integrated with a learning terrace and new outdoor play areas extend learning beyond the classroom, providing opportunities for environmental education, physical activity and sensory development.
The project required careful integration of historic preservation with modern building systems, with meticulous restoration of brick and limestone facades, portico entrances and interior masonry.
A 110-well geothermal HVAC system, continuous insulation, permeable pavers and stormwater management systems support the school’s LEED Gold and Net Zero Ready goals.
