Located adjacent to an elevated highway, the site posed a difficult design challenge. To mitigate the design, a ground floor grocery store and two levels of above grade parking are positioned below the residential tower to elevate it above the highway which creates city views. Above grade parking further segregate the two uses. An aluminum metal panel and screen system create a staggered pattern that screens the garage from public view and enriches the architectural language with textured facades at an intimate level, playing with light, shadow and transparency.
The Collective is an ensemble of 3 building phases that comprise the entire city block between I and H Streets and between New Jersey Ave and 2nd Street SE. While the Park Chelsea is phase 1 and designed by another architect, the Agora and the Garrett, phases 2 and 3 are the work of SK+I. The block is at the northern edge of the burgeoning neighborhood redevelopment area around the Nationals baseball stadium, Canal Park and Navy Yard.
The project features studio, one and two-bedroom apartments in a variety of contemporary floor plans. A unique amenity package includes a demonstration kitchen for visiting chefs, a roof top pool, and a virtual driving range. The fitness center features a yoga and a bicycle spinning room. The ground floor retail includes a large Whole Foods Market offering residents and the community a much needed amenity.
