49 L STREET SE

Owner
DC Department of Human Services

Location
Washington, DC

LEED
LEED Gold targeted

Scale
123,000 sf potential

Program Value
$464 per sf

Services
Feasibility Study, Space Planning

Reviews
DCRA

Project Type
Design – Bid – Build

The commissioning of a feasibility study for the development of this federal property was the beginning of the implementation of the district’s plan to end homelessness by 2020. DHS asked BELL to do a feasibility study on the property to see what the possibilities were to transform it into a shelter and a training facility, specifically, the property will be used to support a central resource center for families accessing homeless services; a low-barrier vocational development training for the homeless; and as permanent supportive housing for the homeless.

The development concept was prepared through a collaborative process with BELL Architects, DGS, and DHS key stakeholders in meetings at DHS’s offices. The resulting space concepts include offices and areas for providing the various immediate services needed by the homeless, training areas and classrooms, kitchens, childcare space and finally, residences.  The mixed-use concept was compatible with both the needs of DHS and the zoning of the site.

BELL researched the zoning limitations, did test-fits, researched the sustainability requirements and came up with an economically viable and practical solution for DHS to move forward on the project.