PROJECT  The Westerly

LOCATION  Washington, District of Columbia, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  2/2/2024

Firm(s): Torti Gallas + Partners 

Design Team Members: Daniel Ashtary, AIA; Nesli Dogrusoz, CDT; Sweta Thanki-Pandey, Assoc. AIA; Gregory Goldstein, AIA

Client: Hoffman & Associates - Mariachiara Baroni
Contractor/Construction Manager: Clark Construction - Gabriella Glickman

Landscape Architect: Michael Vergason & Associates - Doug Hays

Structural Engineer: SK&A - Daniel Cocciardi

Civil Engineer: Wiles Mensch DC - William Lattanzio

Mechanical Engineer: Henry Adams - Nathaniel Krumpe

Electrical Engineer: Henry Adams - Ketan Patel

Photographer(s): ©2024, Brian Tomaino; ©2024, LCP360
Additional project support: Lighting Designer - CM Kling + Associates Inc. Name: David Ghatan Email: dghatan@cmkling.com
Waterproofing Consultant - Wiss Janey Elstner Assoc. Name: Suzanne Thorpe Email: sthorpe@wje.com
Interior Architect - Hickock Cole

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Westerly is a thoughtfully designed, mixed-income residential development in Washington, D.C., that honors the pre-Urban Renewal L’Enfant Plan with pedestrian-friendly urban design and a direct connection to the Southwest Waterfront. Just one block from the Green Line Metro, it is the newest addition to the Waterfront Station Planned Unit Development (PUD), which revitalizes the area with municipal offices, retail, and housing.

The 449-unit building includes 29,000 square feet of retail and 20,000 square feet of amenities. Thirty percent of the units (136 total) are affordable, with 15% reserved for households earning at or below 30% AMI. Market-rate and affordable units are seamlessly integrated in both design and distribution.
Key public-facing features include a woonerf-style private drive, an active retail corridor, and an early learning charter school with a playground that doubles as a community space. The site plan emphasizes walkability and multimodal access, reinforcing The Westerly as a model of transit-oriented development—steps from Metro, close to the National Mall, Capitol, Wharf, and Nationals Park.

Architecturally, The Westerly blends mid-century modern influences with contemporary forms. The massing responds to the angled axis of 4th Street and the city grid through a mix of rectilinear and angled geometries. A cross-block pedestrian promenade and active ground floor retail animate the streetscape. Nearly half of the units feature private balconies, enhancing views and livability.

Amenities include a gym, pool, co-working spaces, and abundant outdoor areas—courtyards, terraces, and balconies—that foster daily community interaction. A cultural space and multipurpose plaza provide flexible venues for events, early childhood play, and community gatherings.

Sustainability is embedded throughout. Native landscaping, pervious pavers, and a stormwater retention system reduce water usage and support natural hydrology. High-performance insulation, daylighting, natural ventilation, and a rooftop photovoltaic array reduce energy consumption and generate on-site renewable power. Low-VOC finishes and long-lasting materials promote indoor air quality and resilience.

The Westerly is a complete community—connecting residents to opportunity, culture, transit, and one another—while setting a new standard for equitable, high-quality urban living in the District.

JURY COMMENTS (if applicable)

Applaudable effort to reinvigorate the urban pedestrian experience without sacrificing the necessary density of the program. The building has many different "fronts" and as a result creates generous urban spaces of varying character in support of a vibrant urban realm. 

The Westerly is particularly impressive because of the complexity required to successfully deliver a mixed-use, transit-oriented project while maintaining a commitment to 30% affordable housing. Integrating market-rate and affordable residences with retail, an early-learning school, public spaces, and strong transit connections requires careful coordination of financing, programming, design, and long-term operations. The active ground floor, pedestrian promenade, and thoughtful massing demonstrate that these development constraints did not compromise the quality of the architecture or public realm. Combined with a comprehensive approach to sustainability, the project demonstrates how thoughtful development can balance financial realities with design quality, affordability, and meaningful community benefit.

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. View from 4th St SW. Credit: Brian Tomaino
2. View from Wesley Pl SW. Credit: Brian Tomaino
3. View from interior lobby. Credit: LCP360
4. View of balcony facade undulation. Credit: Brian Tomaino
5. View of balconies and facade geometry. Credit: Brian Tomaino
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