Stead Park Recreation Center
Stead Park Recreation Center is a modernization and addition to a historic carriage house that fosters community and provides recreational programming in the vibrant neighborhood of Dupont Circle. Set to become the first net-zero energy community center in the District, this facility highlights DC’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
Project Details
- Client: DC Department of General Services / DC Department of Parks and Recreation
- Location: Washington, DC
- Scope: Renovation and New Construction
- Completion: 2024
- Size: 16,750 SF
- Performance: Pursuing LEED Gold; Net-Zero Energy Ready | EUI 0 kBTU/sf/year (modeled)* | 100% reduction (regional CBECs 2003 Public Assembly)
Stead Park Recreation Center is a modernization and addition to a historic carriage house that fosters community and provides recreational programming in the vibrant neighborhood of Dupont Circle. As the first net-zero community center in the District, this facility highlights DC’s commitment to sustainability.
Located in the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood in Washington, DC, Stead Park Community Center is a modernization and significant addition to the existing community center, a carriage house originally constructed in 1888. Sensitive to the site’s layered history and the importance of open space in a dense urban district, the design emphasizes the open qualities of the park and provides accessible, integrated spaces for exercise, play, interaction, and belonging for all neighbors and visitors.
The new facility features the existing historic carriage house as the primary building entry, welcoming visitors to engage the new community through direct access to the historic structure. The addition consists of a variety of multipurpose spaces including a large community gathering space, flexible multipurpose spaces, and a demonstration kitchen. Additionally, the blended connection of indoor and outdoor spaces for all age groups connect and expand the possibilities for how community members can utilize their public space. A large solar canopy provides on-site energy as well as shade for recreation spaces. Site upgrades include a revitalized splash pad, entry plaza and ramp, play equipment, and large outdoor plazas and gathering spaces.
VMDO’s attention to detail and ability to thoughtfully explain design decisions has been remarkable. VMDO particularly shines with their ability to listen to the client’s needs and clearly articulate a vision that captures the goals of all stakeholders. At a recent meeting with DC’s Commission of Fine Arts, VMDO received glowing reviews with regard to the Stead designs. In all of my years with DC Department of Parks and Recreation, I don’t recall a more positive design response from the CFA – it was truly remarkable.
Collaborators
Mechanical Engineering: CMTA
Electrical and Plumbing Engineering: Engenium
Structural Engineering: Silman
Civil Engineering: Wiles Mensch
Landscape Architecture: MKSK, Inc. (formerly LAB)
Contractor: GCS Sigal
Project Photography: Tom Holdsworth
Additional Drawings
Exploded Axonometric
Sustainability
Stead Park was conceived as a zero-energy facility from the start. The all-electric building uses geothermal heat pumps with a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) with heat recovery to provide heating/cooling/ventilation and hot water. The building is oriented so long facades face north/south, with limited glazing on the south and abundant glazing on the north to reduce heat gain. A solar canopy provides area for photovoltaics while providing shade to the splash park below. A high performance, airtight envelope and all-LED lighting reduce heating and cooling loads.
Native and drought-tolerant plantings are used throughout. Stead Park is located in an area of DC with a combined sewer system and thus subject to strict stormwater requirements. The project provides 140% of the on-site retention requirements through a combination of strategies: six large bioretention cells in the south plaza and along the north, and almost 9,000 sf of permeable paving in the south plaza and playground.
