Project Planning

We can assist in developing strategies for complex development projects to comply with DC and Federal regulations and negotiating their review processes, while aiming to help maximizing their quality and success in meeting project objectives.

The Old Post Office Pavilion

The Old Post Office catalyzed the modern preservation movement in DC when it was threatened with demolition in the 70’s.  Ellen worked with the developer to obtain the relevant zoning, design and preservation approvals that transformed it from Class B federal office space into a luxury hotel.

Planet Word: A museum of Language Arts

This innovative project is intended to recognize and celebrate the importance of language in an interactive museum.  The visionary founder, Ann Friedman, has committed $25 – 30 million of her personal funds to bring it to reality.  Ellen worked for two years as part of a team to find a site with excellent visibility and access but affordable for a cultural institution; those efforts were successful as the project was awarded the use of the former Franklin School, an historic architectural jewel in the heart of Downtown DC.  She subsequently assisted in obtaining various required public agency approvals; Planet Word is currently scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2019 and will have a major impact on the vitality of this important site, immediately adjacent to Franklin Park, which is undergoing an extensive transformation.