The Essen, located at 1801 North Beauregard Street in Alexandria, VA converts a 1980’s 4-story, 124,545 square foot office building to multifamily residential use. The six-and-a-half-acre project site sits adjacent to a forested nature preserve. The complete residential conversion yields 119 dwelling units. The basement and terrace level spaces include both common area lobby/amenity space as well as residential units. Exterior modifications to the existing building include an entry portal, adjustments to a limited number of window openings, and balconies that articulate the façade and provide views of the preserve.

The unique Y-shaped building is surrounded by a walking trail along the edge of the Winkler Botanical Reserve. Perfect for dog walking or going out for a stroll, this trail circles the building, following the forest and offering a serene wellness amenity. Lower level residences directly access the trail and exterior courtyard with at-grade terraces in the rear, creating a ‘backyard’ alternative to the balcony additions. These exterior modifications emphasize the proximity to nature, transforming the Essen from an underutilized office building to a bright residential community that connects with the neighboring environment.

Unit design prioritized a connection to the outdoors, with large windows allowing light to fill the spaces. The interesting Y-shaped floor plan of the building created unique challenges for the design team. Unit layouts in the inner building’s corners were creatively designed with the resident in mind, creating special dens and living areas that reach into the surrounding botanical reserve. Wood and pale green kitchens reflect the adjacent forest that fill the view from the windows.

Select units on the first level feature a custom spiral staircase leading from the first floor living area down to a secondary flex space. Ideal for a playroom or studio space, units with this feature are accessible from the both the first and terrace levels.