While architecture billings seem to be off to a rather sluggish start for 2024, according to the AIA's latest data, there are bright spots on the horizon. From new hotel openings in New York City to a long-awaited visitor center at the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, these diverse design projects in progress are sure to inspire and transform their communities upon completion.
1. Visitor Education Center, National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial | 901 North Glebe Road 200 Arlington, VA 22203
The Pentagon Memorial Fund, Inc. (PMF) recently passed a critical milestone in the development of a Visitor Education Center at the site of the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. The concept design by Fentress Architects was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), which follows previous approval from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). The 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center will honor the 184 victims of the attack on the Pentagon as well as explore the local, national and international response to 9/11 and subsequent Global War on Terror. The Visitor Education Center—with plans to be completed in time for the 25th commemoration of the 9/11 attacks in 2026—is anticipated to function as a national convening space for the examination of these responses and their continuing impact.
2. Morgan State University, Science & Research Complex | 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane Baltimore, MD 21251
Moving one step closer to the realization of the construction of a state-of-the-art facility to house STEM programs, Morgan State University revealed designs for its new estimated $342-million Science and Research Complex, slated to open in fall 2027. The Architect of Record (AOR) is Moody Nolan, Inc., the nation’s largest African-American-owned architecture firm, in collaboration with two associate architects, Cannon Design and K. Dixon Architecture. The design showcases a modern facility equipped with the latest technological features for advanced instruction, very high research activity and scientific discovery. The eight-story, 246,000-gross-square-foot structure will house world-class labs where researchers, faculty and students will work together seamlessly, fostering a dynamic environment for breakthroughs addressing the challenges of today and the future.
3. Ewing Senior and Community Center | 999 Lower Ferry Rd, Ewing Township, NJ 08628
In the early morning hours of Sept. 30, 2022, a five-alarm fire broke out in Ewing Township that resulted in extensive damage and closure to the Ewing Senior and Community Center (ESCC). Once known as the Trenton Jewish Community Center and Day Camp, the ESCC property is a notable resource on both the National Register of Historic Places and the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. Originally constructed in 1955, the property also includes a historic bath house that sits on the same parcel of land. DIGroup Architecture was named Architect of Record and was also asked to assist in the restoration of the historic bath house. When completed, the ESCC will comprise approximately 70,000 square feet of space, doubling the building’s original 35,000 square feet.
4. Xadia Hotel | 57 West 39th Street, New York, NY 10018
New York City-based architecture and design firm Marin Architects is leading design efforts as Architect of Record and designer for the Xadia Hotel, located at 57 West 39th Street. The 42-story tower—featuring 173 luxury guest rooms, a rooftop bar and restaurant, a plaza and an arcade—will make a tasteful impression on the city skyline through a unique, cantilever façade and eye-catching interior lighting design. Efficiency is at the forefront, converting smaller units into spacious, optimized environments. A 25-foot cantilever was added over the adjacent property, substantially increasing the building’s square footage and augmenting an additional 68 units. To make this a reality, The Zoning Lab, Marin Architects’ in-house service designed to navigate the complexities of zoning regulations, conducted a zoning analysis, and brought forth solutions to complexities faced throughout.
5. Kimpton Hotel Theta | 790 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Multidisciplinary design and architecture firm, CRÈME / Jun Aizaki Architecture & Design, brings respite to the heart of New York City with the newly opened Kimpton Hotel Theta, managed by Highgate. Aptly inspired by the Theta brainwaves that are most present in moments of self-reflection and meditation, CRÈME adapted the existing building by architect and self-proclaimed modernist Morris Lapidus, to create a tranquil urban oasis within its interiors. Kimpton Hotel Theta features a reimagined lobby, coffee lounge, market pantry, and fitness amenities, as well as 364 guestrooms and suites. Rooftop food and beverage venues are set to open in Spring 2024. Handmade materials focused on craft alongside art, books, objects, and a botanical layer coalesce in a residential quality of comfort. In the lobby, new structural forms act as portals to separate spaces for an inviting gathering place where culture and community connect.
