The Montrose Residences

Project Details

Project Description

Located in the center of historic Georgetown in Washington, DC, the original building dates back to 1913, when it served as the headquarters of the Aid Association for the Blind of the District of Columbia, and was later the home of the Annie Hurt Foundation for the Blind. In 1987 the facility passed under ownership of the District of Columbia government, after the last 11 residents transferred to other local homes. In 1992 it was converted to serve as the Devereux Children’s Center - a residence and treatment center for emotionally or behaviorally disturbed children and, after nearly 100 years, the property was declared surplus by the District of Columbia government in 2010. Soon after, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (“DMPED”) awarded Argos Group rights to redevelop the property for multi-family residential use. In 2010 Sorg Architects was tasked to complete a historically sensitive restoration and conversion of this 33,000 sf property into 15 luxury condominiums. The meticulous renovation/restoration breathes life back to this historic landmark in the heart of Georgetown. The Montrose maintains the original façade of the 1913 building, including the dramatic front windows, front porch and columns. The interior of the building is designed to evoke the elegance of the historic building, exterior in a modern idiom. It features a combination of flats and two story homes, including 2 with internal elevators. Units feature tall ceiling heights with recessed lighting, white oak wood flooring, individual storage units and 2 parking spaces allocated for each. Kitchens feature Thermadore appliances, white carrara marble countertops and solid cherry or maple cabinetry, giving them a modern, fresh feeling with clean lines. Beverage refrigerators hidden within kitchen islands, a hansgrohe faucet & pot filler over the cooktop and electrolux washers & dryers complete the look. Bathrooms are outfitted with waterworks fixtures, limestone floor to ceiling shower walls, frameless shower doors and granite countertops. The sloping one acre lot is landscaped to provide the feeling of an urban garden compatible with the lush vegetation of the adjacent parkland. The historic exterior is juxtaposed with contemporary interior spaces and gardens. Details such as walnut entry doors, state-of-the art kitchens and bright, clean modern living spaces provide a warm, modern feel that revives the spirit of the rich, historic structure. Sorg further integrated the building’s unique history by incorporating multiple textures to better distinguish rooms and Braille signage that will accommodate the blind and visually impaired. These luxury residences offer both the excitement of the city and the intimacy of a quiet neighborhood. The Montrose Residences’ historic renovation brings together a modern aesthetic and traditional features to provide a unique, luxury living experience.