The Sidwell Friends School, Zartman Building

Washington, DC

TThe Zartman Building, also know as the Highlands is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is an individually listed landmark on the DC Inventory of Historic Sites an individually listed landmark on the DC Inventory of Historic Sites. It was purchased, along with 20 acres, in 1932 by Thomas Sidwell, founder of Sidwell Friends School. It has had various uses since that time and for the last twenty years has served as the administration building. Our work included a preliminary building evaluation and programming study which was followed by a full building renovation including complete new mechanical systems (utilizing geothermal wells). The first second an attic levels were renovated in the style of the existing house. The basement (formerly a service space) was fully remodeled in a contemporary style utilizing glass and natural finish wood partitions to maximize the available natural light and create a warm, open space atmosphere while still allowing for private offices. The lower portion of the existing rear terrace was also enclosed to make two offices and a conference room.