1001 Pennsylvania Avenue

1001 Pennsylvania Avenue

Location Washington, DC

Category Mixed Use

Focus Area FacadesRoofs

Facade Restoration and Roof Replacements

At more than 750,000 square feet, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue occupies an entire city block. The 14-story office building, owned by TIAA-CREF, is situated across from the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building along the route between the White House and the U.S. Capitol. To preserve the distinctive character of this important corridor, multiple historic facades were restored and incorporated into the Pennsylvania Avenue structure when constructed in the mid-1980s. Modern portions of the facade, clad in limestone and brick masonry, step back at multiple stories, creating 22 rooftop terraces.

Since 2007, Hines Interests Limited Partnership, property manager for the building, has relied on the building enclosure expertise of Hoffmann Architects + Engineers for multiple replacement and restoration projects.

Masonry Facade Restoration

In 2007, Hoffmann Architects + Engineers provided a comprehensive masonry restoration program to address deterioration in the building’s complex facade system. With historic masonry walls incorporated into a contemporary structure, the facade assembly includes not only varied types of brick construction and materials, but also transitions between these diverse wall sections that demand special attention. Hoffmann assessed the existing facades and designed a phased program of repair and maintenance to address these complicated conditions. Mortar joint repointing, replacement of damaged brick, sealant replacement, limestone restoration, and repair of steel lintels restored the masonry facades, protected against water intrusion, and extended the lifespan of the unique facade system. Hoffmann provided design, bidding assistance, and contract administration services for the project.

Terrace Roof and Exterior Door Replacements

In 2018, after reports of leaks in the building’s terrace roof assemblies, Hoffmann Architects + Engineers provided a forensic report, assessing existing conditions at the two dozen roof areas and providing recommendations for corrective action. Hoffmann then designed and oversaw replacement of the terrace roofs with a resilient protected membrane system, including a paver assembly that provided a durable, attractive surface for outdoor dining and recreation. Aging storefront-style exterior doors that provided access onto the roof terraces were also exhibiting signs of water infiltration and distress, so Hines retained Hoffmann to design and administer their replacement. The new terrace-grade doors provide improved thermal efficiency and indoor comfort, along with ease of operation and an attractive profile that compliments the existing facades.