Mount Rainier Artist Lofts

Living and Breathing Creativity

The 75,000-SF artist live/work affordable housing project was the first phase of new construction in a Master Plan developed by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, along with the Prince George’s County Council.

The intent of this design was to create affordable housing, along with arts-oriented venues and services, to draw artists from local colleges and neighborhoods to the Arts District.

The program called for a wide diversity in unit types, drawing on the developer’s previous experience in adapting warehouses into artists’ housing. Each unit is adaptable with layouts maximizing flexible open space—allowing for living changes, as well as, work and exhibit needs. Two-story central commons areas and a large workshop on the lower level provide space for exhibits and interaction.

The city required the building’s exterior to address the scale and architectural style of the area. The design knits together historic context, while reflecting the diversity of the inhabitants and their work on the inside. Working closely with the community, HGA easily obtained approval by two community design review boards was easily obtained.

Portfolio
Location

Mount Rainier, Maryland

Building Type

Residential

Size

75,000 SF

  • 2006 AIA Housing Award for Architecture (national)
  • 2005 AIA Minnesota Honor Award

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