GEORGETOWN CAR BARN ADAPTIVE REUSE

Georgetown University, Washington, DC

An ever-growing institution, Georgetown University saw an opportunity to repurpose an 1800s mechanical car building by transforming the first floor spaces to house the University Press and Master of Arts in Government program. Known as the Car Barn, this historic building is situated along M Street at the end of the Key Bridge and was originally used to house and maintain the city’s streetcars.

The adaptive reuse was completed with sustainability in mind. Care was taken to maintain the historic integrity of the building’s character, with the existing structure being reused and repurposed. This effort minimized embodied carbon by giving new life to the existing facility with no new construction. The large arched doorways, previously used for the streetcars, were re-opened and infilled with a glass-fin curtainwall system to promote transparency and create a dramatic lobby and student lounge area.

The bright, modern interior benefits from added daylight as windows were restored and the barn doors opened up. Occupancy and daylight sensors control the interior lighting, ensuring adequate light while minimizing the use of electricity.

Occupant comfort in the new classrooms, offices, and conference rooms is assured with an energy efficient HVAC system that employs demand control ventilation with an air-side economizer and water-source heat pumps. The system utilizes variable speed technology on hydronic pumps and airhandling unit motors to properly match the building energy use to the building load.

The thermal envelope was improved to maximize energy efficiency, adding an air barrier and thermal insulation to the existing, uninsulated exterior walls. New wood windows, matching the originals but with increased efficiency, were incorporated into the facade, bringing natural light into the space and offering views to the famous “Exorcist Steps,” which were preserved along the building’s exterior.