J Linea

Nominated by: Hickok Cole
Location: Washington, DC
Developer: Jefferson Apartment Group
Architect: Hickok Cole
General Contractor: CBG Building Company
Interior Designer: RD Jones + Associates of Chevy Chase MD
Project Website: www.jlineaapartments.com

Project Statement

The redevelopment of a former nightclub, J Linea is a new 70-foot-tall 132-unit mixed-use residential building with 16,000 square feet of retail located in the heart of Washington, DC’s Shaw neighborhood. Formerly known as Black Broadway, Shaw is viewed as the city’s cultural epicenter and serves as inspiration for many of the project’s signature design elements, including its “dancing” geometric floor plan and cascading gold fin series, reminiscent of notes on sheet music.

Made from Danish-imported brick, J Linea’s angular form integrates preserved portions of the original century-old facade and maximizes the building’s usable square footage by stepping back and inward in deference to the existing façade. Gold fins, composite metal panels and a three-dimensional UHPC rainscreen call attention to the building along a narrow side street and contrast its industrial design. A double-height glass-encased lobby activates the streetscape, connecting activity from the adjoining streets.

Units range from studios to one- and two-bedroom with den options, and contain extensive millwork with fully integrated walk-in closets, built-in desks, and in-unit washer and dryers. Penthouse and unique loft-style units, behind the preserved façade are also available. The building’s angularity solved the site’s problematic depth, ensuring each unit has ample sunlight. More than 75% of units have access to private balconies — an uncommon feature in the neighborhood.

The LEED Silver building’s residents enjoy access to a fitness center, lounge spaces and co-working booths with a coffee bar, in addition to electric car charging stations and bike storage. A penthouse level includes an expansive clubroom with a demonstration kitchen, entertainment features and an outdoor terrace with 180-degree views of the city’s monumental core. J Linea complements Shaw’s pedestrian scale and calls attention to its side street, blending elements of history with modern accents and top-of-the-line amenities to deliver residents with the epitome of luxury urban dwelling.