The $44.3-million, adaptive-reuse renovation of the former Sheet Metal Workers Office Building converted the U-shaped building to multiunit residential.
Crews gutted the skin, MEP systems and finishes back to bare concrete. General contractor James G. Davis' in-house laser scanning team mapped existing concrete truss and beam structures to provide a baseline for structural modifications and required finish tolerances.
Crews removed and replaced the superstructure to create a two-story lobby with on-grade access; they also enhanced occupant views, met fair housing requirements, created new building egress and met fire code requirements.
The facade was retrofitted with a metal panel and glass window wall system along with masonry on cold-formed steel studs hung outside of the existing building floorplate. Special attention had to be given to deal with slab deflection and building expansion.
Spalling, reinforcement placed too close to the surface and previous concrete repairs prompted removal and replacement of the garage slab-on-grade and elevated slabs.
The complete project features 60 luxury condominiums that range from 1,600 sq ft to more than 3,500 sq ft. Resident amenities include a heated pool with pool house in a landscaped and hardscaped courtyard with private patios; barbecue grilling stations with natural gas valves provided on each balcony; yoga and fitness areas and children's playrooms; and a dog-washing station.
When the building opened in 1986, it was believed to be the largest solar-powered commercial building in the world. As The Oronoco, designers aimed for LEED Silver certification, offering high-efficiency heat pump technology, solar shading and LED and fluorescent lighting.
Renovation/Restoration: Award of Merit - The Oronoco, Alexandria, Va.
Key Players
Owner EYA
Lead Design Firm Shalom Baranes Associates
General Contractor James G. Davis Construction
Structural Engineer TCE & Associates
Civil Engineer Bowman Consulting
MEP Engineer Provectus
HVAC Mid-Atlantic Air
Structural Steel Extreme Steel
Demolition Celtic Demolition
Electrical Dynalectric
