What do you think of the Intelsat building? Is its “space age” architectural style worth preserving? Someone thinks so.
The DC Preservation League has filed an application with DC’s Historic Preservation Office seeking landmark status for the building. The league views the former Intelsat headquarters as an important part of DC’s architectural history that should be preserved.
The application states:
[blockquote]Its distinctly Modernist architectural vocabulary, emphasizing primarily glass and metallic silver finishes, gives it a “Space Age” appearance befitting its original function as the headquarters for the world’s largest satellite communications organization.[/blockquote]
As the Washington Business Journal notes, Intelsat sold its headquarters in 2012 and the new owner plans an extensive renovation that could include changes to the exterior.
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Tom Lalley says
I’ve lived in this neighborhood long enough to remember the Bureau of Standards and I have never once set foot this building. To me, it’s just a gigantic, lifeless and weird sculpture. Because the building has effectively no interaction with the neighborhood, I couldn’t care less about it. It might as well stand empty as far as I’m concerned.
Tracy Johnke says
I can think of only one contribution the Intelsat building has made to the neighborhood, and that is that it houses BCDC, a highly-regarded and convenient day care center. Though I never got a chance to take advantage of its services, I have several friends who did and speak very highly of the place. So while I am not a fan of the building, I do hope that BCDC sticks around.
Cara Ciullo says
I agree with Tom Lalley and strongly believe that the Intelsat building sucks a large part of the soul right out of Forest Hills/Van Ness neighborhood and community. In my opinion, this building is a failed experiment.
Stefan says
I agree. Its a shame a site so close to the metro does not interact and connect with the neighborhood. Its just another lifeless building on the stretch of Van Ness St
Livia Bardin says
If the Intelsat Building is Space Age, let’s move it forward into the Information Age. It’s a downright ugly building and does not deserve landmark status. The one time I was in it, the interior spaces seemed ill-contrived and badly laid out. It’s hard to believe that any changes to its exterior could make it worse, so I’m all for changes.
Gail says
What we really, really need is some retail, food, and a multiple screen movie theatre!! Otherwise leave it empty for when the aliens arrive!!!!
Claudia says
The previous posters are strangely unappreciative of the Intelsat building’s terrific architecture – however, many other residents of FH and the city as a whole think it is great. It was and is a cool vision of positive and negative space and forward-thinking design, and should be recognized by the Preservation League as a landmark building in DC. Ahead of its time, the design incorporates environmentally-conscious energy efficiency – the use of tinted-glass sunscreens and the open-air atria that admits sunlight while reflecting direct sun. Also, the complex incorporates interior and exterior water features for cooling and terraced roof gardens to compliment the large trees preserved by the site plan.
Even the firm responsible for planning proposed changes to the building notes “The building was far ahead of its time. What we saw was a building that was built in the latter part of the 20th century but belongs in the 21st century.” Deciding that Intelsat looks weird or lifeless, especially in comparison to the Brutalist buildings of UDC is odd.
I can’t imagine insisting that every building in the city personally interact with residents of a particular neighborhood. If we want better food choices and a movie theater, let’s ask for the replacement of truly ugly buildings like the east side of the 4400 block of Conn. Obviously there’s a hole in the ground where Van Ness Square was, and the buildings north of it are pretty shabby. Those locations are much more desirable for shopping and food options than where Intelsat is.
Let’s make changes where they can have the most impact and not get on a bandwagon just because some people don’t like good modern architecture.
Christine Demick says
I have always loved the building. It was way ahead of its time and deserves to be recognized as a historic landmark. Before we got all involved with energy conservation, the lighting of the exterior of the building made it a piece of art. I agree with Claudia that not every building in the city must personally interact with its neighborhood.
I have never seen the interior but I understand that the space is difficult to work with. It would be great if the interior could be designed for multi-use – artist studios, exhibit space, specialty shops, etc. Van Ness lacks small shops and I think it would be interesting to use the space for an interior “mall”. Van Ness Square was ugly but I think the design of the new building is just so “blah”.
I vote to designate it a historic landmark.
Rose says
I’m in agreement with Claudia and Christine. It’s a remarkable building and one that I enjoy looking at. In addition to the visual interest of the building, I appreciate the well tended green space and the corner park which I understand was created with the building.
I’m kind of amazed that people would entertain the idea of changing a fully realised building like this. Come on, every great modern city mixes significant modern architecture in with the older, more traditional buildings.
Andrea Rosen says
I find almost all mirrored buildings cold and repellent, but I have always loved the (former) Intelsat Building. I find it inexplicably uplifting; it is what mirrored panels were made for! That it got built at all in stodgy old Washington is a miracle–and I say this as an old Washingtonian. More power to the DC Preservation League in their effort to landmark its exterior.
Erno Kolodny-Nagy says
John Andrews’ high-tech Intelsat Headquarters complex, completed just as my family moved into Cleveland Park in 1987, is the best example of modern architecture in the District. Its energy conserving design, its circular, glass-block and concrete stairwell towers, its 14-pods floor plan with office space organized around central atria, and its environmentally sensitive siting, clearly deserve historic protection for architectural excellence alone. The fact, that it served as the Intelsat Headquarters for 30 years is an additional reason for its historic significance. The structure is a great neighbor to the Tilden Garden Towers. It is a disgrace to our ANC that they did not support the DC Preservation League’s recommendations.