Renovation of Historic Apartments by UIP Is Underway

By Anuradha Kher, Online News EditorWashington, D.C.–Urban Investment Partners of Washington, D.C. (UIP) has begun a $2.6 million renovation of The Biltmore, a 94-year-old apartment building that once housed luminaries such as President William Howard Taft and journalist Carl Bernstein. Located at 1940 Biltmore St., N.W., The Biltmore overlooks Rock Creek Park in Washington’s Kalorama Triangle neighborhood. It features 24 apartments on six levels. UIP has completed renovating five units and is now working on three more. The work is going on while the building remains occupied. “The Biltmore enjoys a central location in one of the most desirable residential neighborhoods of Washington, Kalorama Triangle,” says Steve Schwat, a principal with UIP.  UIP’s renovations will improve residents’ safety and comfort, while meeting modern building code requirements. The ownership is upgrading the building’s electrical and plumbing systems, fire and life-safety systems, and water lines. The old steam furnace, radiator system and unsightly, window-mounted air conditioning units will be removed and replaced with individual high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. Fireplace flues are being inspected, and lighting fixtures will be replaced throughout the building. The old dumbwaiter shafts are being converted to useable kitchen space.  Kitchen and bath fixtures are being replaced, and some units will get additional bathrooms. The newly renovated kitchens feature all-new wood cabinetry, granite or stone countertops, under-cabinet lighting, stainless steel finish appliances including mounted microwaves and integrated dishwashers, and new tile floors. New washer-dryer units are being installed, and the original yellow heart pine flooring in each apartment’s main living area is being preserved.