Contact:

Kenneth Diggs (DGS), (202) 580-9361, [email protected]

The Historic Preservation Review Board Chair’s Award was selected by the Chair, Gretchen Pfaehler, AIA. Ms. Pfaehler selected Cardozo out of 20+ other projects, bestowing this honor on the school for the significant investment it represents from the District government. The project was recognized for its exceptional design work in restoration, rehabilitation and new construction affecting a historic District property.
The award was presented to the District of Columbia Department of General Services, Hartman-Cox Architects, Grim + Parker Architects and GSC-Sigal, LLC, who were responsible for the design and construction of the $130 million modernization. “We are truly honored to have the opportunity to complete projects such as Cardozo High School which represents the best in bringing modern design and construction to the District’s most historic and vital assets,” said Brian J. Hanlon, Director of the Department of General Services.

Francis L. Cardozo High School is an individually landmarked Elizabethan/renaissance public high school that was erected in 1914-16. The 300,000 sq. ft. building was originally designed to accommodate 2,500 students and played a significant role in the development of education in the United States.

This modernization project created a new modern school in a fully renovated historic school building, supporting the education needs and goals of the students and faculty, as well as returning a historically significant building back to its monumental distinction. The project was completed with careful consideration for the incorporation of energy-efficient elements including the mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems which will assist in greatly reducing the energy consumption of the building and a green-roof to aid with storm water management. The school is tracking to achieve a minimum of LEED Gold for Schools rating.

In addition to the modernization of the existing school, a 47,000 sq. ft. regulation gymnasium addition was constructed directly adjacent to the school on area originally used for parking and loading. The gym was partially recessed in order to maintain the community’s sightlines to the DC skyline and to provide the required parking on the roof of the gym. This allowed the project to maintain the existing historic landscaped terraces on the east side of the building intact.

The mission of the Department of General Services (DGS) is to elevate the quality of life for the District with superior construction, first-rate maintenance and expert real estate management. By building and maintaining safe and green state-of-the-art facilities which foster economic growth and elevate educational environments, our trusted and skillful employees create modern and vibrant communities across all of the District of Columbia.