A Georgetown penthouse renovation proves that having creative owners and equally innovative and collaborative design and build teams can make renovation dreams come true. When the team at Anthony Wilder Design/Build, www.anthonywilder.com, and interior designer Benjamin Johnston, www.benjamin-johnston.com, came together, the challenging, yet rewarding, redesign of this top-floor condo in the heart of Washington, DC, became a reality. With an outdoor terrace and clear views of the Potomac River and area bridges, this third-floor home had so much potential. “This is Georgetown reimagined, every detail counted,” says Anthony Wilder, founding principal of Anthony Wilder Design/Build. “Artistry is what it is all about.”
In a bespoke building originally built in 1909, the renovation of the 1,695-square-foot penthouse took about eight months to complete. The elevator, stair entry, and railing into the unit were completely redesigned, and rooms were reconfigured, including the kitchen, which was moved from the back of the condo to the front and center between two parlors. Scaffolding was constructed to hoist large, delicate sheets of marble to the top floor via a lift or crane.
“We knew that converting this previously renovated condo into the owners’ dream home would be a great challenge,” says Anthony Wilder Architect Sean Mullin. “But we were ready to take it on,” says Mullin, adding that renovating condos in general can be challenging due to access limitations and stacked plumbing and mechanical systems.
The main goal was to capture the storied history of the building and add vibrant new elements along with the owners’ extensive art and objects collected throughout the years, especially during their travels. Baseboards were custom-made to reflect the building’s past, while black lacquered doors coated in 12 layers of paint from Fine Paints of Europe provide a dramatic contrast against the white walls.
Johnston’s design aesthetic leans modern and minimalist, blending seamlessly with the penthouse’s classical architectural details. A curved sofa and a two-tier glass coffee table create a more formal parlor on one side of the kitchen, while a more casual parlor features a sectional and a projector system hidden in the millwork. Both spaces feature massive marble fireplaces. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom home includes a polished and primped primary bedroom designed with a more feminine edge, while the adjacent primary bathroom combines function and beauty. Overall, the Georgetown home is now a reflection of the talents of the design team and the global sensibilities of the owners.
