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Explore the transformation of downtown living with Balsa, an innovative office-to-residential (O2R) conversion developed by Willowbridge and designed by Hickok Cole. Completed in August 2024, Balsa is one of the first newly built O2R projects in the heart of Washington DC, offering 222 modern residences and an extensive rooftop amenity package. The redevelopment preserved the existing below-grade parking structure while reimagining the six-story building by replacing the top 4 levels of steel construction with an 11-story light-gauge metal structure above—blending sustainability with forward-thinking design.

Join us for an exclusive walking tour to explore Balsa and its role in reshaping the downtown landscape. As one of five office-to-residential conversion projects currently being designed by Hickok Cole within a three-block radius, Balsa exemplifies the future of adaptive reuse, breathing new life into former office spaces. Discover the architectural innovations behind the transformation, experience the thoughtfully designed residences, and take in the rooftop amenities that maximize views, light and the existing structure.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key design and construction strategies for Office-to-Residential (O2R) conversion, including structural modifications, material selection, and adaptive reuse principles.
• Evaluate sustainable and adaptive reuse practices by assessing how existing building components, such as below-grade parking structures, are repurposed to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency.
• Assess the impact of O2R conversions on urban development by analyzing their role in addressing housing demand, enhancing walkability, and fostering mixed-use communities.
• Analyze architectural and engineering innovations, including the use of light-gauge metal construction and other advanced techniques, to create modern and efficient residential buildings.

Presented by:

Guilherme Almeida, Associate Principal, Director of Sustainability + High Performance Design
AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate