Fenwick began with a vision to deliver a building with a distinctive point of view and a strong connection to the neighborhood.    Engaging the community in all aspects of the project was given the highest priority throughout the entire planning and design process.    In doing this the team came to know and appreciate the diverse and international nature of Silver Spring.  This provided a clear vision for the architecture, landscape and interior design to showcase this eclecticism and the peripatetic nature of many people living in the area.   To enhance the vibrancy of the community, local artists were enlisted to develop art for public areas and amenity spaces that would, on the one hand, reflect the heterogeneity of the community, while also eliciting points and opportunities of connection and commonality.   In designing the public plaza care was taken to celebrate the historic railroad station, formerly behind the site, and to provide an inviting retreat for hikers and bikers who frequent the adjacent trail.  The plaza offers shade, seating, a water-bottle filling station, history, and a connection with nature.  This array and functionality of Fenwick’s public art has a meaningful and positive impact on the community thus the plaza and art have become a source of pride for neighbors and residents.

The community spirit which exists in Silver Spring impressed and influenced the team.   They were challenged to find ways to deliver a sense of community and neighborliness, both inside and outside of the building.   Creative solutions included whimsical way-finding signs and the inclusion of art and community bulletin boards to neutralize the visual impact of the loading area.  In addition, notions of the water cycle are revealed by intentionally integrating the treatment and management of rain water in micro-bioretention planters in the streetscape, by diverting rain water to reservoirs for irrigation of a living wall on the roof terrace, by excluding the use of potable water for irrigation, and by designing a green roof in the amenity courtyard.  To further support the community, reduce the carbon footprint and promote alternative transportation land was allocated to the county for a bikeshare, a second lobby was designed on the side of the building closest to the neighboring Metro and bus station, and Fenwick Plaza was positioned adjacent to the busy public trail and a public bus station.

Visionary thinking led to the design of one of the first 3A buildings over concrete structure in Montgomery County.  An innovative plan successfully includes high-design, ground floor units that allowed for a 6-story building with enough density to achieve financial success.  The lower building height does not overpower the adjacent residential neighborhood and provides a graceful transition to the 12 + story buildings in the Central Business District thus setting a new standard of excellence in real estate development.