Washington, D.C.-Area Condos Going Up, Up, Up

Construction is underway on the first condominium at University Town Center, a 40-acre community in northern Prince George's County, Md. The 112-unit luxury tower, along with a second condominium featuring 22 loft-style units, will be located between two existing office buildings and will overlook the community's central plaza. Both buildings will include street-level retail opening onto the plaza.

The first building's façades are detailed with brick, metal panels, balconies, and bay windows. One corner features floor-to-ceiling glass which wraps around the front façade. The second building's structural beams are curved vertically on one of its two facades and will be covered in zinc. The building's unique shape is the result of a 60-foot-long floor-to-ceiling steel truss framing system determined by the structural grid of the below-grade parking garage. A green roof is also planned.

WDG Architecture of Washington is the architect; Whiting-Turner Contracting Company of Baltimore is the general contractor for the first building. The design team also includes Allen & Shariff Corporation for mechanical/electrical engineering, and Brandes & Cassagnol Engineers and Fernandez & Associates for structural engineering.