Latrobe Apartments Renovation

Built in 1980, Latrobe hosts 175 units located between the eclectic communities of Dupont Circle and Logan Circle. The neighborhood’s cosmopolitan lifestyle offers amenities for endless allure and excitement. The renovation of Latrobe’s main exterior, entrance, and interiors modernizes the client’s prime property in Washington, DC, and tailors to a newer generation of clientele. The modernization of the porte-cochère was an essential task for this project, but, the new design was required to stay within the existing footprint constraints. The length of the new façade is enhanced by the horizontal expression of glass. The use of spandrel panels and clear glass provides an engaging visual connectivity with the street. The porte-cochère enhances the entrance experience for tenants, serving as the first impression to their home. The use of LED lighting highlights the entrance to the complex and provides a feeling of safety. Elongated light poles were also added along the driveway to emphasize the length and the street presence of the building to passersby.

A challenging linear, narrow, and shallow lobby with limited square footage was transformed into an open, active area for welcoming residents and guests. The mailroom was relocated within the lobby to allow for a more inviting circulation while still meeting U.S. Postal Service mailbox and package requirements. Since the client wanted a more efficient leasing space to address their lean leasing process, a cozy resident lounge now opens to the main lobby, inviting residents to enjoy the view of an intimate courtyard. 

The project was approached in a cost-effective manner to achieve the most impact. Striking wall treatment, patterns, and color contrast work together to emphasize the eccentric feel of the space. A similar approach was used for the design of the tenant corridors. The new design maintains the existing light fixture location, but with more energy efficient light fixtures—accompanied by a bold carpet pattern and rich contrasting paint colors.