This project started as a question regarding lease potential and a series of seemingly unrelated issues by the client: cosmetics and circulation, visibility, cost, brand/vision. Further parameters included its landmark location and the Commission on Fine Arts Board approval for any changes to the site. After a careful analysis and multi-day design charrette, we arrived at a singular solution to address all of the issues. We suggested to leverage recent interpretations for SP districts in DC's comprehensive plan to find additional development potential through land use and floor area. A new sense of entry, new common tenant areas, space for restaurant in a virtual food desert, improved circulation and lines of sight as well as a exterior green roof plaza created a whole new concept for the building and its impact to the surrounding context. From a brand standpoint the design uses the Union's trade members' materials and elevates them to the level of art. The project was approved unanimously by the Commission on Fine Arts.