Situated along Watts Creek Branch on the Anacostia River in Northeast Washington DC, the modernization of the original 1960’s elementary school structure adds approximately 24,000 SF to a renovated 4 story structure of 50,000SF. The improved 74,000-square-foot facility serves PreK-5 students and upgrades existing spaces, including replacing an undersized multipurpose room with a new gymnasium, library, cafeteria, and a full Child Development Center. A robust and focused public arts program as well as extensive site improvements strengthens the connection between the school and its natural surroundings.

The design fosters integration, well-being, discovery, equity, and sustainability within the student body as well as the surrounding community.  Included in the new buildings is an independent Child Development Center equipped with a separate entrance, serving to solidify the school as a neighborhood resource by improving local. The project similarly accommodates needs of the neighborhood’s student population by modernizing the school’s facilities to match District-wide standards to support equal learning opportunities. By replacing an undersized and isolated kitchen and multipurpose room with a new two-story addition facing Watts Branch Creek and a new accessible entry to the east, the design strengthens the relationship with the neighborhood while simultaneously expanding views to nature.

Whitlock’s integration of commissioned art promotes identity development and cultivates a synergistic relationship between the school and the surrounding community. The Marvin Gaye relief on the eastern façade, chipped into the building by the internationally renowned artist known as Vhils as his first piece in the DMV, the design honors the diverse community it serves while celebrating DC’s rich cultural history. The interior design of the renovation and addition mirrors the growth of trees in a forest by placing younger children on the 1st floor and older students on the upper levels, physically illustrating their academic growth over the years. Supported by new breakout areas and Discovery Commons in the renovation and addition, which Whitlock Elementary equips students with the necessary skills to flourish throughout their academic journeys. 

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