PROJECT  Atworth

ARCHITECT  WDG

LOCATION  College Park, Maryland, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  4/1/2023

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  ARCHITECTURE: Bob Keane, AIA, Mickey Finn, AIA, Matt Lam, Renzo Carlin, Deborah MacPherson, AIA INTERIORS: Manuel Lauzurique-Abiega, Keith Worley, AIA, Neha Pathare, Michael Broderick
OWNER/CLIENT  Gilbane Development Company / Bobby Gilbane, Matt Michetti, Stefano Terricola
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  CBG Building Company - Tom Sedeski
PHOTOGRAPHER  Firewater Photography - Kris Decker
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Lee and Associates, Inc. - Jeff Lee
CIVIL ENGINEER Rodgers Consulting - Phil Hughes
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER  SK&A Structural Engineers, PLLC - Scott Stewart
MECHANICAL ENGINEER  Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. - Nick Marrow
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER  Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. - Nick Marrow
CONSULTANT  Lighting Design: MCLA – Frank Feist
CONSULTANT  Elevator Consultant: Lerch Bates – Jeff Polizzi
CONSULTANT  Code Consultant/ Fire Protection Engineer: Jensen Hughes – David Wilmot
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  
Atworth in College Park, MD, was envisioned to be a template for the community benefits of transit oriented multifamily development in College Park, MD and delivered as a 100% affordable apartment project on the doorstep of the College Park Metro Station and future Purple Line. The social, economic, and environmental benefits of this project create a ripple effect with reduced car usage, increased job accessibility, and added economic potential for the area. All of these elements add up to a residential development that enriches the fabric of the community it becomes a part of and vastly expands the opportunities for existing and new residents to thrive and achieve a higher level of well-being and personal enrichment.

The site is located on the east side of College Park, an underdeveloped and car-oriented area of the city east of the University of Maryland. Despite its close proximity to the Metro station and future Purple Line station, the site had not been historically utilized in a way that would embrace the potential for alternative transportation options and access to the networks of greener transit options nearby. When Atworth was first proposed, it was clear that an embrace of the regional metrorail system was critical to the success of the project. The masterplan and the architectural conceptual design leaned into the aesthetics and connections of the adjacent Washington Metro and regional commuter rail in addition to the planned Purple Line light rail that would pass by and be accessible to residents of the building. It was important that the project reflect the benefits of these economic and social lifelines.

During the development of the project and in the process of securing financing, the Amazon Housing Equity Fund became interested in partnering with DC Metro and the development team to help fund affordable housing units on the site. By entering into an agreement to help provide 100% affordable units to those making 80% of area median income (AMI) for the life of the project, Amazon helped to transform the vision of the site into one where residents could be provided with housing and much needed financial certainty in a mixed use and transit-oriented area.

As a result of all of these efforts, Atworth was completed in December of 2023 as a landmark project for the city of College Park and a roadmap for future development. Running roughly north to south parallel to the DC metro and south of the College Park Metro Station, this five story building features two enclosed courtyards, an enclosed parking garage and a richly articulated architectural expression. With 451 apartment units, 5000 sf of retail and an overall development of 568,000 sf, Atworth fully embraces the adjacent aesthetics of the adjacent rail systems and adapts a language of industrial movement and commuter flow.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

A high-density, mixed-use development close to a Metro system, Atworth seamlessly integrates into the urban fabric. The design features private garden courtyards and well-concealed parking, offering a dignified relationship with the city and a respite space for residents on the interior.

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. Atworth Northeast Facade / © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
2. Atworth East Facade/ © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
3. Amenity Lounge / © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
4. Atworth View from College Park Metro / © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
5. Main Lobby/Lounge / © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
6. Fitness / © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
7. Pool / © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography
8. Atworth Southeast Facade / © Kris Decker/Firewater Photography