PROJECT  The Campagna Center

LOCATION  Alexandria, Virginia, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  4/20/2024

Firm(s): Winstanley Architects & Planners 

Design Team Members: Michael Winstanley, AIA AICP; Bence Szaloki AIA, Lisa Hobbs, Sandra Eremic, Shelby Pollack, Assoc. AIA

Client: The Campagna Center
Contractor/Construction Manager: Pizzano Contractors

Landscape Architect: LandDesign

Structural Engineer: Field & Tung Structural Engineers

Civil Engineer: RC Fields & Associates, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer: Capitol Engineering Group

Electrical Engineer: 

Photographer(s): © Anice Hoachlander
Additional project support: Project Manager: Orr Partners

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Campagna Center, Alexandria’s leading not-for-profit organization, equips children and families with a comprehensive set of tools they need to thrive and succeed. Founded in 1945 as the Alexandria Community YWCA, it was later renamed in honor of Elizabeth Ann Campagna. The center provides early childhood education through Head Start, as well as before- and after-school programs for working families, English language classes, and youth mentorship.

The renovation of the entire interior and restoration of the exterior of the historic structure realized benefits including extending the usability of the basement level, creating new outdoor recreation areas, replacing all windows, and creating new accessible entrances.

Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, the project transformed a more than 200-year-old educational building into a modern, accessible headquarters that supports the Campagna Center's mission of serving children, families, immigrants, and working parents throughout the region. The two-story brick building was built in 1888 as the Washington School, replacing an 1812 schoolhouse. It served Alexandria students for nearly 70 years before becoming the administrative headquarters of Alexandria Public Schools, later the Alexandria Community YMCA, and finally became home to the Campagna Center in 1993. The renovation of this historic site required approval from Alexandria's Board of Architectural Review.

The renovation raised the first floor by 18 inches, creating a more functional basement and a new north-side courtyard for outdoor recreation. Other updates included replacing windows and sills, rebuilding brick walls and gates, and adding accessible entrances on both the west and east sides to meet code compliance.

The first floor was transformed into a vibrant program space, bringing Campagna Center’s signature programs under one roof for the first time. It features private meeting rooms, large and small classrooms for early childhood, school-age, and adult education programs, all enhanced by murals painted by renowned muralist Hamilton Glass. Glass' work is characterized by architectural elements, bright vivid colors, and sharp lines, which convey energy and movement.

The second floor now serves as the administrative hub of the Campagna Center, housing offices designed to foster collaboration and efficiency among staff. The colors used throughout the renovation, including in the administrative spaces, are drawn from the Campagna Center’s branding and logo, reinforcing a cohesive and welcoming environment that visually connects the staff and program spaces.

JURY COMMENTS (if applicable)

Inspiring renovation brings new life to the building, its interiors, and the urban space around it. The project is a clear exercise in restraint and focused design opportunities to maximize impact for the community and city. The bright and colorful interior spaces communicate the vitality of the client's program.

Breathing new life into a historic structure can be complex, and this project exemplifies how it can be done with dignity and restraint, honoring the past while elevating the community through its new use and mission. Love the interplay with the mural artwork.

The Campagna Center is a thoughtful example of how historic preservation and adaptive reuse can serve an important community purpose. The renovation respects the character of the 1888 building while introducing a vibrant contemporary identity through color, murals, and branding. The removal of the exterior stairs on the north side and creation of a new courtyard are particularly successful interventions, improving accessibility while creating a welcoming outdoor space that draws people outside for recreation and social interaction. Reusing an older building to benefit the local community is impactful on so many levels—preserving history, conserving resources, strengthening neighborhood identity, and supporting programs that serve children, working families, immigrants, and youth. Overall, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can give an important historic building renewed relevance and purpose.

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. The Campagna Center; Photography credit Anice Hoachlander
2. The Campagna Center main entrance on South Washington Street; Photography credit Anice Hoachlander
3. Interiors featuring mural artwork by Hamilton Glass; Photography credit Anice Hoachlander
4. Reclaimed outdoor courtyard; Photography credit Anice Hoachlander
5. Flexible classroom spaces adapt to changing needs; Photography credit Anice Hoachlander
6. Vibrant office space; Photography credit Anice Hoachlander
7. Library and donor wall; Distinct spaces to support diverse learning styles and resource delivery; Photography credit Anice Hoachlander
8. Southwest view; Photography credit Anice Hoachlander