Harry Burrell, Project Director
Professional Experience Attribution – Project experience while working for PGN Architects LLC
The proposed residential development is located at 4435 Benning Road NE, Washington, DC, along a major east–west corridor in the northeastern portion of the District. The subject site is situated within an established urban neighborhood characterized by a mix of multi-family residential uses, neighborhood-scale commercial activity, and public facilities. Benning Road functions as a key connector within the local and regional roadway network and is supported by frequent transit service.
Development of the subject site presented several design challenges related to existing physical and regulatory constraints. In addition to accommodating a WMATA easement, the irregular site and property configuration significantly influenced the building layout and circulation strategy. These constraints required careful planning to ensure compliance while meeting the project program requirements.
A primary project objective was to achieve a 150-unit residential building while providing a sufficient number of on-site parking spaces to accommodate the proposed residential density. The constrained site geometry limited conventional building and parking layouts, necessitating an alternative approach to massing and internal connectivity.
To address these challenges, the project was designed as two coordinated building components connected by an elevated bridge, allowing the development to function as a unified residential complex while efficiently distributing units, parking, and circulation. This configuration provided flexibility in building placement, preserved required easements, and enabled the project team to meet the client’s programmatic requirements within the available site area. The bridge connection allows for functional and operational continuity between the two building elements while maintaining compliance with zoning, access, and site constraints.
Overall, the design solution responds directly to the site’s limitations and ensures that the proposed development meets residential unit, parking, and operational objectives in a manner consistent with applicable zoning and planning regulations.
