Hartman Design Group Proves Power of Makeovers with Now-Desirable DC Community

By Keith Loria, Contributing Editor

Washington, D.C.—Gables Dupont Circle, a small boutique multifamily property located just two blocks from Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., has undergone an amenities makeover with space planning by Hartman Design Group.

“The building’s location could not be better, yet the interior of the common areas and units were dated and tired,” Phyllis Hartman, Hartman Design Group’s founder and principal, told MHN. “Additionally, the leasing and marketing office was not functional. As competition increased in the surrounding market place, Gables Dupont Circle could not compete in its current state. Rents were down and vacancy was increasing.”

The renovation of Gables DuPont Circle sought to not only better serve the building’s current residents, but also to attract the next generation of residents looking for a sophisticated apartment building in one of D.C.’s most covetable neighborhoods.

“The neighborhood is quiet, tree-lined and charming, yet the vibe is urban,” Hartman said. “The building is within a couple blocks of the many shops, restaurants, galleries and museums that Dupont Circle has to offer.”

Hartman Design Group utilized every nook and cranny in the space planning process. It expanded the lobby by turning an adjacent two-bedroom unit into a one-bedroom, adding additional community lounge space while still maintaining the unit’s marketability. A new and expanded leasing office was added, plus a concierge desk near the building entry was designed for maximum aesthetic and functional impact, featuring a built-in backdrop that doubles as artwork and much-needed storage.

A package storage area was created where the old marketing office was located, and the mailroom was upgraded to ensure a more streamlined and efficient postal service. A non-complacent restroom was transformed into a high-end ADA-complacent boutique restroom.

Hartman Design Group also redesigned the elevator lobby, adding a dynamic sitting area featuring a red leather wall and a long, black leather banquette. The team also added an easily accessible hospitality and coffee bar, a cyber lounge, private courtyard and fitness center.

“Because this is a boutique-sized property, the amenities are smaller than much of the competition,” Hartman said. “The goal of the design and development team was to create a tiny jewel box-stunning, highly detailed, memorable, eclectic and a design targeted specifically to the demographics attracted to this sophisticated yet funky area of D.C.”

Gables DuPont Circle practices a variety of environmentally friendly initiatives, including installing water conserving shower heads and faucet aerators, and energy-efficient lighting, and utilizing zero VOC paint, a mulched landscape for moisture retention, rain sensors on the irrigation system and erosion control site planning.

Other building features include 24-hour emergency maintenance and front desk staff, bicycle storage, garage parking, weekday continental breakfasts, valet dry cleaning and a private landscaped fountain courtyard.