Washington, D.C., Apartment Community Blends the Old With the New

The new glass and metal structure at J Linea, developed by Jefferson Apartment Group and designed by architect Hickok Cole for Washington, D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood, springs from and incorporates the site’s historic masonry building. Most recently an LGBTQ nightclub, the building was originally designed as a public garage by John A. Lankford, one of the earliest professionally trained and licensed Black architects in the United States.

The full 70-foot structure is clad in Danish-imported artisanal brick, composite metal panels, and a three-dimensional rainscreen, embellished with gold fin accents designed to evoke notes on sheet music. A new layer of masonry extends from the historic façade to create a base around the building’s ground level, contrasting the upper floors.

The new portions are arranged in an unusual fashion, particularly visible in select unit balconies that jut out at dramatic angles. This stems from Hickok Cole’s effort to accommodate the shape of the original historic building, as well as provide natural light in all units. To accommodate this, some unit bedrooms feature glass pocket doors and built-in cove lighting to enhance light exposure and optimize circadian rhythms for residents. Because the floor levels in the new and old buildings did not perfectly align, the designers also created several loft-style units in the historic portion to fill in the difference.

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Mary Parker

Mary Parker

Mary Parker

Mary Parker

Mary Parker

Mary Parker

Mary Parker

Mary Parker

Mary Parker

Mary Parker

The robust amenity package is designed to complement the small unit count and provide “third place” options for residents in smaller spaces, according to the developer. The outdoor rooftop terrace offers fire pits, grilling stations, lounge seating, and an interior penthouse lounge with a kitchen, an entertainment lounge, and large operable sliding windows and doors. A co-working lounge overlooks the two-story lobby, including isolated booth stations for remote workers. The lobby itself is wrapped in glazing and features seating areas and large fireplaces.

The fitness center offers cardio equipment and a TRX training system, while the parking garage includes electric vehicle charging stations, bike storage, and a repair workbench.

Given the developer’s objective to maximize rentable space, the new building extends up to the lot line, which made fulfilling requirements on stormwater management and green area ratios difficult. The solution was a lushly planted rooftop, sharing space with the amenity terrace, mechanical equipment, and penthouse units.

Units range from studios to one- and two-bedroom floor plans, featuring stainless steel appliances, induction cooktops, and floor-to-ceiling window walls. Seventy-five of the units feature private outdoor space, including four of the eight penthouse units, which feature 300-square-foot private terraces.