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The Commons at Stanton Square is a unique collaboration created by the Horning Family Fund who partners with communities to address inequity and improve educational and economic outcomes for children and families in Washington, DC’s underserved Ward 8. In addition to Community of Hope - a non-profit committed to providing resources for mental health, homeless prevention, and healthy pregnancies - the building houses Martha’s Table - an active charity and volunteer center supporting strong children, strong families, and strong communities through access to high-quality education, healthy food, and community support. From inception, the building’s program goals were to manifest Martha’s Table’s mission through initiatives that assist low-income parents by providing quality education focused on literacy, social and behavioral development, health and well-being, and parent engagement.
The building forms a neighborhood core and serves as a hub for the wide range of community services it provides. Distinct programs are each configured in a manner to operate as “programs within the program” to ensure appropriate security and confidentiality for the clients each serve. The heart of the program is manifest in the “Crossroads”, a central hub around-which all building spaces and program activities flow. Filled with light, color, and texture, it connects the community on all levels with programs such as cooking demonstrations, live music, dance, and activities for neighborhood children. In this regard it lives the concept of the “Third Place”; public places where people gather and interact, allowing users to simply enjoy the company and conversation around them - the heart of a community's social vitality. The neighborhood a child grows-up in is a critical determinant of their future outcomes. A complex web of social, governmental, physical, and economic factors defines their success. In this context, the community impact of the Commons is palpable and measurable. Each day, visitors shop for free, fresh food, teens and adults utilize wellness screening services and neighborhood children stream to classrooms for daylong and after-school care. CGS’s vision and collaborative efforts ensured that the building quickly become deeply embedded in the community and manifest the program’s belief that every child – regardless of zip code – deserves the opportunity for their brightest future and a deeply engaged family and community committed to their success.
Duke Ellington School of the Arts was established in 1974 and remains the sole DC public high school to offer a dual curriculum encompassing both professional arts training and academic enrichment in preparation for college and careers in the arts. It was born to “house the creative soul of the District” and to mirror the rich cultural diversity of our country. In a new facility, the school was looking to reflect their values and facilitate a nurturing and inspiring passion for arts and learning in talented students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to develop their artistic skills. The CGS Architects Design Team won an International Design Competition for the commission in 2013. As the Design Architect, CGS was challenged to transform the aging, ca. 1898 National Landmark structure through a comprehensive modernization and expansion program to create a world-class facility that aligns with the School’s reputation as one of the Nation’s premier High School of the Arts programs.
CGS Architect’s approach to the challenge was rooted in developing a solid understanding of the original building fabric in order to respect and dignify the architecture while evoking an interpretation that is understandable to its stewards, occupants and visitors. Based on thorough research, the historic fabric of the existing original structure–which over the years had undergone significant demolition and unsympathetic interventions–was meticulously transformed. Original spaces were efficiently utilized to accommodate modern academic spaces. New construction–expressed in contemporary design and materials to differentiate from original structure–radiates from the core of the restored historic buildings with new mid-section and rear additions housing large studios, performance venues, and rehearsal spaces. The "Arts Machine" design expresses the functions within, promoting interdepartmental awareness and collaboration while inviting the surrounding neighborhood to experience the products of its diverse pre-professional programs. The academic and performance environment revolves around a four-story sky-lit Atrium featuring a new, iconic, 800-seat theater at its core, representing the institution’s metaphoric ‘heart’. Once isolated floor plates and dark, labyrinthine corridors are rationalized to circulate around the Atrium, exposed to natural light and dynamically positioned to be open to views across this central space. At the Atrium floor is located the institution's central and defining space providing flexible furnishings and serving many school and outside functions. Two additional major rehearsal and performance venues–the Performance Hall and Black Box Theater–are accessed directly through a stand-alone lobby. Excavated space below the Atrium allows required parking to be concealed from view without compromising the overall project massing and footprint, thus preserving the limited outdoor space primarily embodied by the restored historic front lawn. Exterior amenities, including the outdoor Entrance Plaza, the Media Center Terrace sheltered under the grand two-story portico, and the Education Terrace on the Ellington Theater Roof with its spectacular views across the city, all contribute to Ellington's expression of renewal and revitalization. The product at Duke Ellington is a historical rebirth that does not mimic but codifies, does not copy but magnifies the spirit of this special program. In the end, the building is telling a story, and we have let that story go on.
Ferrari / Maserati of Washington was originally housed in a non-descript strip mall. But the dealership had long aspired to a facility more befitting their icon automotive brand. CGS Architects was hired to create a ‘museum-like’ new space for Ferrari / Maserati and an adjacent Lamborghini showroom several years later under the same ownership team. The aesthetic theme for both facilities centered on ‘functional art’ aimed at capturing the essence of Ferrari’s mission to fashion “unique creations that fuel the Prancing Horse legend and generate a “World of Dreams and Emotions."
The Ferrari / Maserati showroom is a modern facility that creates a club-like atmosphere for its sales and service centers. The palette is ‘clean’ and organized with multiple volumes of differing materials comprising the structure including steel, glass, metal panels, and concrete block. A full auto service facility and race shop are visible through interior glass walls from adjoining showrooms, the customer lounge, and a merchandise boutique. The two-story showroom presents as an illuminated glass case for the display of these world-renowned automotive works-of-art. Subsequently, the owners of Ferrari / Maserati purchased a Lamborghini franchise and looked to CGS Architects in to also remake their facility. The building is a visual expression of Automobili Lamborghini’s corporate desire that the new showroom honor the exclusive and signature Italian styling that defines the character of all Lamborghini automobiles. To this end, the dealership creates a balanced composition of minimalist forms and fine materials to ensure that automobiles always remain the focus of attention. Within the showroom, interior space-defining elements create separate areas for new and used vehicle presentation as well as merchandise display. The combined bar and reception counter is an important welcoming element within the showroom oriented towards the brand’s valued customers and enthusiasts.