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Exterior of the Crummell Community Center featuring restored brick walls, well-maintained landscaping, and several patrons walking on the grounds

Crummell Community Center

Returning a Historic Anchor to its Community Roots

Project Location

Washington, D.C.

Area

23,000 SF

Services

Architecture, planning, restoration, and interiors

Project Type

Community Center

The Alexander Crummell School, built in 1911, served as a central gathering place for the community of Ivy City, a small neighborhood in the northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C. Decades of intensive use and overcrowding led to its closure and transfer to the District’s Department of General Services in 1977. In 2003, the Crummell School was listed on the National Register of Historic Places but remained unused until now.

Through renovation, historic preservation, and a new one-story addition, we’re converting the vacant school into the Crummell Community Center, an all-inclusive community amenity for Ward 5. This upgrade will enhance the historic landmark building with modern amenities, providing access to safe, sustainable facilities for recreation, education, and community services. The surrounding 2.48-acre site will transform into a vibrant green space with playgrounds, athletic fields, and eco-friendly features designed to achieve LEED Silver certification.

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A lobby entrance with several windows allowing natural light, featuring a receptionist at a computer in front of a desk, people mingling in the lobby area, grey floors, recessed lighting, and natural brick walls from an original 1900s building.
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  • A lobby entrance with several windows allowing natural light, featuring a receptionist at a computer in front of a desk, people mingling in the lobby area, grey floors, recessed lighting, and natural brick walls from an original 1900s building.
    A bright lobby entrance showcases the flow of natural light and brick details.
    1 3
  • An interior lobby with white walls and multiple windows providing natural light, including a front desk on the right with a receptionist and patrons, while people are dispersed throughout the lobby and sitting area.
    The natural light streaming through numerous windows creates both visibility and biophilic benefits.
    2 3
  • Exterior of the Crummell Community Center featuring restored brick walls, well-maintained landscaping, and several patrons walking on the grounds
    A look at the transformation of the vacant Alexander Crummell School into the Crummell Community Center where open, walkable grounds invite the community in.
    3 3
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