Location
307 K Street NW
Washington, DC
In Washington, DC, there are over 4,300 grandparents raising grandchildren. One third of these families live in poverty and more than 60% rent. While District officials estimate that approximately 1,000 grandfamilies are in need of subsidized homes, Plaza West is the first development of its kind in the city to offer housing specifically for this market.
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Plaza West features a combination of angular brick planes, glass and metal band infills, and slotted window patterns. Glass extends up the north corner of the building, wrapping around the penthouse community room to serve as a beacon.
Slot window embellishments give the building movement and depth to passerby’s. This innovative framing entailed inset corbeling of brick and metal panel to picture frame ten windows at a time on alternating floors. Special coordination was made to have mechanical exhaust and intake incorporated into this metal panel layer leaving the brick façade free from smaller brick vents, allowing a clean and regular look.
“As our city continues to grow and age, we’re committed to making investments in innovative programs…that will set more families up for success. Plaza West is an example of how we are ensuring residents and families of all backgrounds and income levels have access to safe and affordable places to live across all eight wards.”
This program is “astronomical” for providing support to grandparents.
The residence holds two separate lobbies, one for each tenant type, incorporated at each end of the irregular site, a major portion of which borders Interstate 395 where it cuts through the neighborhood and city.
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Plaza West has more than 9,500-SF of outdoor spaces, including a raised outdoor terrace for affordable unit residents, and a private park with playground dedicated to grandfamily residents. Affordable unit residents enjoy dedicated fitness and business centers, and a double-height community room. Additional grandfamily amenities include a full-time social services office, a library lounge with computers and 24/7 internet access, a large playroom to host after school classes, and a penthouse multi-purpose club room with sweeping views of the Capitol.
Occupancy Rate
Month Lease-Up
Affordable Units
Area Media Income Served
307 K Street NW
Washington, DC
Plaza West LLC
Golden Rule Plaza, Inc.
Mission First Housing Group
284,645-SF