Washington, D.C., development by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects finalist for international award

NEW YORK, June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects announced that The Avenue, its mixed-use development in Washington, D.C., is one of 29 finalists for the Urban Land Institute's Global Awards for Excellence.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120627/NE31318 )

Widely recognized as the land use industry's most prestigious awards program, the competition rewards real estate developments for best practices in design, construction, economics, planning and management. ULI selected finalists from nearly 200 international entries. Up to 14 finalists will win awards.

Developed by Boston Properties, The Avenue is an urban town center that connects George Washington University to the Foggy Bottom and West End neighborhoods. Adjacent to Washington Circle, the 1.4 million-square-foot development includes a 12-story apartment building and a 10-story, LEED Gold-rated office building. Shops, restaurants, and a Whole Foods grocery store create a vibrant shopping street.

The Avenue establishes a landscaped public courtyard with flowering trees at the center of the 2.6-acre site. This garden is made possible by submerging parking and a full-sized loading dock below grade. A water feature with aquatic plantings anchors the courtyard and provides stormwater management by collecting rainwater for irrigation.

Along Pennsylvania Avenue, a three-story glass-fronted atrium joins the office building's two towers. The lobby's curved travertine walls define a through-building pedestrian passage. A grand two-story granite lobby connects the two towers of the apartment building -- the west tower, with a rooftop pool, and the east, which has a rooftop deck. The 335-unit building is set back from the street, creating a lively pedestrian plaza adjacent to sidewalk dining, shops and the Metro station.

Engineering News-Record chose The Avenue for its "Best of the Best" list. The Washington Business Journal named the project "Deal of the Year" for new office and multi-family development.

About Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects Founded in 1977 and led by Cesar Pelli, Fred Clarke, and Rafael Pelli, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has designed some of the world's most recognizable buildings, including the World Financial Center in New York, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and the International Finance Centre in Hong Kong. The firm has been honored with critical acclaim and hundreds of design awards, including the American Institute of Architects' Firm Award and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

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Washington, D.C., development by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects finalist for international award