PROJECT  The Oliver

LOCATION  Washington, District of Columbia, US​

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  7/23/2024

Firm(s): GTM Architects 

Design Team Members: Rosana Torres, AIA, NCARB; Kimberly Lee, AIA; Joe Kelley, AIA, NCARB; Susan Mentus, AIA, NCARB

Client: Rock Creek Property Group - Gary Schlager, Jon Lastuvka, Mike Swarrow
Contractor/Construction Manager: Coakley & Williams Construction - Gregory Harraka, Max Zarate

Landscape Architect: AMT Engineering - Mary Marcinko

Structural Engineer: SK&A Structural Engineers - Hakan Onel

Civil Engineer: AMT Engineering - James Gapinski

Mechanical Engineer: Allen + Shariff - Zack Shariff

Electrical Engineer: Allen + Shariff - Ali Arshian

Photographer(s): Garrett Rowland Photography
Additional project support: Interior Design (Residential Units): GTM Architects DC - Susan Mentus, AIA, NCARB, Kim Lee, AIA
Interior Design (Public Spaces): Carlyn & Company Interior Design - Grace Picchiottino
Plumbing Engineer: Allen + Shariff - Zack Shariff
Howard University Alumni Center (Tenant Space - Interior Architect): GTM Architects - Robin Menge; Julie Bower; Peyton Burmi; GB Kolawole
Photographer (Residential Units): Laura Metzler Photography - Lauren Zillinger
LEED Consultant: GHT Limited – Meghan McAvoy, James Hansen

PROJECT SUMMARY

Site
Weaving Legacy, Community, and Culture.
Located at the northern gateway to Howard University in Washington, DC, The Oliver establishes a strong civic presence that reinforces the relationship between the university and the historic Pleasant Plains neighborhood. The project responds to Howard University's enduring legacy as one of the nation's leading Historically Black Universities through a contemporary architectural language rooted in rhythm, layering, and connection. Responding to dual zoning districts, active street frontages, and a prominent campus edge along Georgia Avenue, the design carefully shapes the public realm through its massing, transparent ground-floor uses, landscaped open spaces, and a clearly defined pedestrian edge. Guided by a single architectural vision, the design translates Howard University's legacy into a contemporary architectural language that connects campus and city, past, and future.

Program
The five-story mixed-use development combines 93 student residences with approximately 40,000 square feet of office and event space for the Howard University Alumni Center above a one-level below-grade parking garage. A hybrid structural system, two levels of concrete construction supporting three levels of wood-frame construction, balances durability, construction efficiency, and economy while accommodating the project's diverse program. Residential amenities, including study lounges, wellness spaces, rooftop gathering areas, and collaborative environments, extend learning beyond the classroom. At the same time, the Alumni Center strengthens lifelong connections through offices, meeting spaces, and event venues that bring together students, alumni, faculty, and visitors.

Solution
Drawing inspiration from Howard University's legacy and the traditions of African weaving, the architecture translates the principles of rhythm, layering, craftsmanship, and connection into a contemporary composition of form, proportion, depth, and materiality. Layered two-story shadowboxes and continuous horizontal bands create a façade that changes with light throughout the day, while integrated LED lighting extends this architectural expression into the evening, contributing to the identity of Georgia Avenue. A restrained palette of brick, fiber cement panels, and glass anchors the building within its historic context, while concealed mechanical systems preserve the clarity of the architectural composition.

Technical innovation and environmental performance are integrated into the architecture. Constructed on a constrained urban site, the project required careful excavation, underpinning of adjacent structures, coordinated structural systems, precise crane operations, and phased construction sequencing. Green roofs, rooftop solar panels, bioretention landscapes, and advanced stormwater management contribute to LEED certification while supporting long-term environmental performance and resilience.

More than student housing, The Oliver transforms a singular architectural idea into a civic presence that connects people, place, and culture. By strengthening the relationship between Howard University and the city, it creates a lasting contribution to the architectural fabric of Washington, DC.

JURY COMMENTS (if applicable)

MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD
Project PDF

IMAGES (Captions and Photographer Credit)
1. Community Heritage: Situated at the northern gateway to Howard University in Washington, DC, The Oliver is a landmark thoughtfully designed to enhance student life while honoring the university’s storied heritage. This dynamic building seamlessly blends student residences with office spaces, including the Howard University Alumni Center, creating a vibrant hub that reflects and enriches the surrounding community. Photographer: Garrett Rowland
2. A Rhythmic Facade: A cantilevered roof and carefully composed arrangement of lit-shadow boxes, windows, and façade bands create a dynamic architectural rhythm inspired by the patterns of African weaving traditions. This layering crafts a compelling play of light, texture, and depth that brings the building to life. Photographer: Garrett Rowland
3. Workplace Identity: The Howard University Alumni Center transforms a workplace into an expression of institutional identity. A monumental stair and custom legacy wall anchor the design with illuminated portraits of distinguished alumni and a sculptural “Tree of Life” lighting installation. Photographer: Garrett Rowland
4. Cultivating Connection: Thoughtfully designed collaborative spaces paired with Howard University's signature colors honor the University's rich alumni legacy while inspiring the next generation of leaders to connect, collaborate, and innovate. Photographer: Garrett Rowland
5. Light + Texture: Window shadow boxes create a dynamic interplay of depth, shadow, and texture across the façade, adding dimension and visual rhythm. Integrated color-changing lighting allows the façade to transform for different campus events, celebrations, and moments of community engagement. Photographer: Garrett Rowland
6. Shaping Student Life: The residential floors are designed to support student life, balancing private living spaces with shared environments for study, wellness, and recreation. Carefully distributed common spaces encourage informal interaction while providing places for both collaboration and quiet reflection. Photographer: Garrett Rowland
7. Home for Students: Rhythmic window patterns animate the façade while framing dynamic city views from the unit interiors, reinforcing the connection between student living spaces and the urban landscape. Photographer: Laura Metzler
8. Terrace Retreat: The rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of Greene Stadium and the surrounding campus. Operable glazing systems and a thoughtfully designed terrace create a strong connection between indoor and outdoor communal spaces. Photographer: Garrett Rowland