Behind the Scenes of the Restoration and Design of the New Arlo Washington DC
Opening a new hotel in the Arlo fam is always a cause for celebration, but even more so when we land in a new city, and especially when we have a brand-new build to show off. Which is just one of many reasons we’re thrilled to be opening the doors of Arlo Washington DC on November 18, 2024, in the heart of downtown DC.
This is the seventh Arlo Hotel and our first in the nation’s capital. And, while it’s all new, it also pays tribute to the city’s history, juxtaposing an iconic DC building with the fresh, modern details Arlo is known for.
A Prime Location
Arlo Washington DC is located on G Street and 4th Street NW, a short walk from Penn Quarter, Judiciary Square, and Capitol Hill. The city’s top attractions, including museums, the National Mall, and the Convention Center are all within easy reach. The building itself is notable, both in terms of history and the restoration work that transformed it into the hotel you see today.
In 2019, Arlo’s parent company purchased the long-vacant Harrison Apartment Building, DC’s oldest surviving apartment building built in 1888, along with the vacant site alongside it. The building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, is a prime example of the Romanesque Revival style. Restoring the building and incorporating it into a larger structure that included new construction as well was always a part of the vision for the Arlo team—a goal that has now come to fruition, with the 445-room Arlo DC that pairs a 12-story addition with the carefully restored elements of the Harrison Apartments.
Old Meets New
As fans of home-renovation TV shows might say, the historic building needed a lot of love, and the team at Architecture Incorporated were up for the challenge. After years of neglect, the Harrison Apartments had many structural elements, from wood windows and masonry to the external brick and brownstone facades, that required either removal, restoration, or reconstruction. Throughout this painstaking work, preservation of the building’s original beauty was paramount. For example, the existing turret and cornice work were restored, along with the brownstone arched entries, wrought iron railings, ornate brickwork, and stoops.
These historic details also influenced the design for the newer parts of the hotel. The Harrison’s original corner drugstore entrance was restored, and the new space will be home to the Bodega by Arrels, the hotel’s grab-and-go refreshment spot. As guests enter the hotel and step into cozy, modern lounge areas, complete with a fireplace, they’re also greeted by the restored vaulted brick ceiling that dates back to the Harrison’s original construction.
All in the Details
Arlo DC’s interiors—from the past-meets-the-present lobby to the guest rooms and dining spaces—were designed by Meyer Davis. As longtime collaborators of the brand, the Meyer Davis time seamlessly paired historic features with contemporary design, bringing Arlo’s signature light-toned woods and a custom light feature into the new hotel.
Arrels, Arlo DC’s signature restaurant helmed by Chef Pepe Moncayo, channels a chic Spanish farmhouse aesthetic, with open-fire cooking and a welcoming bar. Upstairs, the hotel’s sophisticated guest rooms and suites occupy both the new building and the historic space. In the Harrison Apartments areas, guest rooms feature original exposed brick walls for a warm, rustic feel. All rooms have dark walnut wood floors, with pops of green and red on the headboards and custom light fixtures. In the bathrooms, back-and-white penny tiles were inspired by the original tiles in the Harrison Apartments. Sitting atop all this beauty is one of Arlo DC’s most distinct features—ART DC Rooftop, which includes an outdoor and indoor bar and lounge, and a resort-style pool.
After mastering the art of balancing past and present so adeptly, we’re also proud that Arlo Washington DC is expected to achieve LEED certification by Spring 2025. Our 6,000-square-foot green roof, 12,000-gallon cistern for capturing rainwater (treated and reused on-site), and a more than 25% reduction in energy costs has us on track to hit this crucial milestone.
Curious to see how it all comes together? To celebrate our opening, Arlo DC is offering a special promotion of 47% off, in advance of January’s inauguration.
