Any construction project within Georgetown’s 1.17-square-mile footprint is a significant undertaking. When Pizzano and its partners decided to tackle an ambitious new build at 3255 Prospect St. N.W., on one of the neighborhood's only developable lots, they knew it would require the full depth of knowledge and experience they’ve been honing for years.
From complex permitting and historic preservation oversight to navigating work on a high-traffic street in a dense neighborhood, it was a project not just any construction firm could take on. But after 18 months of dust and determination, the site transformed into what is seen today: a stately building with five residences, sustainably constructed and impeccably designed. They called it The Elliott – named after Robert Elliott, a prominent attorney, social activist, and developer – who owned the land as well as the adjacent property.
The Washington Business Journal published an article, excerpted below, detailing Pizzano's process in completing the complex transformation of 3255 Prospect St. N.W.
Pizzano committed to being involved from project inception to completion, from land acquisition to sales. After razing the pizza shop, digging began. More than 600 truckloads of earth – over 1 million pounds – were carefully excavated and hauled off to prepare for sheeting and shoring, underpinning of adjacent structures, and pouring the building’s foundation and underground parking garage.
Midblock construction made for added complexity. And Georgetown’s narrow streets, with widths not far off from their original mid-18th-century layouts, added constraints. Keeping things running smoothly went far beyond the construction itself: In a tight neighborhood, they had to contend with residential and commercial neighbors who needed to go about their daily lives. It boiled down to communication and compromise throughout the project – with team members, neighbors, trade partners, inspectors, and engineers – to minimize disruption and extra stress.
Inside, every aspect of the design was meticulously chosen. Oversized windows and 10-foot ceilings were constructed to welcome natural light and openness. The complex concrete construction paved the way for open floor plans, eliminating unsightly columns and interior load-bearing walls.
No expense was spared on the finishes. Each unit was built with European oak floors and custom lacquered cabinetry, all crafted in Italy. Kitchens and washrooms were furnished with top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures, as well as integrated lighting and shade systems for personalized control by residents. Every material was selected to impress and built to last – in the spirit of the neighborhood itself.
The Elliott was an intense project, but well worth it for the Pizzano team and it remains one of their favorites to this day. Not every construction firm has the experience, patience, skills, and resources to make a project like this come to fruition. Pizzano’s team was up for the challenge and is already looking forward to tackling their next historic puzzle.
