Officials Urged to Turn Federal Buildings in DC into Residential Neighborhood
This CoStar News articled covered the 2025 State of Downtown Forum hosted by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, where architect Shalom Baranes proposed transforming underused prewar federal buildings in the Federal Triangle into multifamily housing to revitalize downtown Washington, D.C. Citing low occupancy rates and aging infrastructure, Baranes argued that these “cucumber”-style buildings—ideal for residential conversion—represent a generational opportunity to create a vibrant new neighborhood. The proposal aligns with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s goal of adding 15,000 downtown residents by 2028 and highlights the urgency of diversifying a downtown core that remains overly reliant on office use.
Viewpoint: An Alternate Disposition Strategy for Federal Real Estate
In this 3/14/25 Washington Business Journal article, Shalom Baranes proposes that the federal government strategically repurpose its pre-World War II office buildings for residential use to address downtown revitalization and housing shortages. He suggests that these buildings, with their narrow floor plates, are more suitable for conversion than post-war structures with deep floor plates, which pose significant challenges for residential adaptation. Shalom recommends that the government lease these properties to developers committed to residential renovations, thereby preserving architectural heritage and stimulating urban renewal.
Viewpoint: The Federal Government Should Vacate Federal Triangle
In this article in the Washington Business Journal, Shalom Baranes advocates for the federal government to repurpose the Federal Triangle area by converting its pre-World War II office buildings into residential spaces. He argues that these buildings, characterized by narrow floor plates and proximity to operable windows, are more suitable for residential adaptation compared to the post-WWII structures with deeper floor plates. Shalom suggests that such conversions would not only address housing shortages but also revitalize downtown Washington, D.C., by attracting residents to the area.