PROJECT  Rosewood Townhouses

ARCHITECT  Winstanley Architects & Planners

LOCATION  Washington, District of Columbia, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  5/31/2022

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN TEAM  Michael Winstanley AIA, George Eisenberger, AIA, Leejung Hong LEED AP, Graesen Johnson, Harrison Blair
OWNER/CLIENT  Kristian Overbeek - Rosewood CTF Development
CONTRACTOR/CONSTRUCTION MANAGER  Pizzano Contractors
PHOTOGRAPHER  Anice Hoachlander
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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT  
In 2017, Rosewood Hotel acquired the Capella Hotel at 1026 31st Street NW in Georgetown, along with a collection of unrenovated historic townhouses built circa 1890 at the corner of 31st Street NW and South Street. This project represents a significant adaptive reuse and historic preservation effort, transforming these late 19th-century townhouses into exclusive luxury suites as part of the hotel. The renovation increased the hotel’s total room count from 49 to 63 rooms, seamlessly integrating these historic structures into Rosewood’s boutique hospitality ex-perience.
A defining feature of the site is its steep topography, where both 31st Street and South Street de-scend sharply, requiring an eight-foot-high retaining wall and an upper-level sidewalk that re-mains publicly accessible. The restoration scope included stabilizing and restoring the retaining wall, improving railings, lighting, and landscaping, and ensuring that the site’s historic character was both preserved and enhanced.
The first six townhouses were meticulously restored in 2020, with work continuing on the re-maining eight and finishing in 2024. Each two-story, split-level townhouse (approximately 1,100 GSF) was reimagined as a luxury suite, featuring a primary bedroom suite, private bath, kitchen, living room, half bath, and laundry facilities.
While most townhouses followed a similar configuration, two distinct floor plans were identified and preserved. Access to these suites is discreetly managed through a rear alley, allowing seam-less service while maintaining the historic streetscape’s character.
Exterior renovations included the installation of historically appropriate windows and doors, brick repointing, and carefully selected historic paint colors. A forensic paint analysis was con-ducted to determine the original color palette, which was then reviewed with the Old Georgetown Board (OGB) to ensure period accuracy. The project secured approvals from the OGB/Commission of Fine Arts and the DC Department of Historic Preservation, underscoring its commitment to maintaining Georgetown’s historic fabric.
The interior renovations preserved key architectural elements, including original fireplaces and mantels, while incorporating modern luxury and technological upgrades, such as new mechani-cal and electrical systems. Through this careful balance of preservation and contemporary hos-pitality, Rosewood Hotel has revitalized these historic townhouses, ensuring their legacy while providing an exclusive and immersive guest experience within Georgetown’s storied landscape.

JURY COMMENTS (If applicable)

The jury was impressed by the project's minimal intervention with the existing historical character of the Georgetown streetscape. By preserving the integrity of the exterior, the townhouses were given a new purpose without erasing their past. This measured approach allowed modern infrastructure to work quietly behind the historic facade, creating a seamless blend of old and new.

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. Street View - Anice Hoachlander
2. Townhouse Detail - Anice Hoachlander
3. Looking Northwest - Anice Hoachlander
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