Housing / Community Projects

Over the past 20 years, Mimar has established a tradition of housing project excellence for a large, diverse group of clients including: Housing Opportunity Commission (HOC) of Montgomery County, Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC), the Prince George’s County Redevelopment Authority, Prince George’s County Housing and Community Development, Druid Hill Housing Development, The Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition (HEBCAC), Harlem Park Revitalization Corporation, Oliver Economic Community Development Corporation, Reservoir Hill H.O.P.E/French Companies, Havre De Grace Housing Authority, Maryland Housing and Community Development, City of Frederick Housing Authority, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, among others.

Mimar has provided architectural/engineering services for the renovations/ rehabilitation of more than 1000 dwelling units including more than 300 abandoned properties and 200 low-income/ affordable houses over the last 20 years. Furthermore, our design team has extensive experience in providing full architectural/engineering design services from schematic design through construction administration – including bidding and construction management.

Including the work that Mimar has completed for Arcola Towers Public Housing Apt. Complex in Silver Spring, MD; Holly Hall Public Housing Complex in Hillendale, MD; and Waverly Towers-High-rise Public Housing, Bethesda, MD for Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County, our design team has an extensive portfolio of Montgomery County projects, which includes:

Spencerville Senior Living/ Community Center, Montgomery County, MD Mimar developed conceptual layouts for 4-acre site, located at 4343 Spencerville Road, Burtonsville, and Montgomery County. Mimar presented conceptual plans to Zoning and Planning Boards of Montgomery County, and to several community associations from adjacent neighborhood. Mimar responsibilities also included programming, planning, interior design, and architectural design. Mimar produced preliminary conceptual sketches, study models, schematic design, design development documents, and construction documents. [Mimar]

Rolling Road – Apartment Housing Developed conceptual layouts for 12-acre site, located on 3124 Rolling Road in the heart of Baltimore County. Mimar led the project as prime consultant, and was responsible for coordination between consultants, owner and plans review agencies. Materials used on the project were primarily face brick with CMU backup, aluminum windows and storefront and fiberglass roof shingles. Mimar responsibilities also included programming, Planning, interior design and architectural design. Produced Preliminary conceptual sketches, study models, schematic design, design development documents, and construction documents. [Mimar]

Madison Avenue Rehabilitation of Townhouses, Baltimore, MD Mimar performed complete rehabilitations of several townhouses located in the historical area of west Baltimore. Work involved very intensive field investigation of abandoned/ vacant houses. Plans were developed for most efficient use of space. Scope of services included programming, planning, interior design and architectural & engineering design. Mimar received appreciation award from Historic East Baltimore Coalition Action Committee (HEBCAC).

Caroline – Eden Street Townhouses, Baltimore, MD Mimar led the team as the prime consultant for the complete refurbishment/ rehabilitation of several scattered townhouses located within 20 city blocks of the historical area in west Baltimore. Mimar performed very intensive field investigations of abandoned/vacant townhouses, programming, planning, interior design, architectural design, and preliminary conceptual sketches, and developed study models for details. Project Manager of Oliver Economic Development Corporation recommenced Mimar to other clients for other residential projects.

HABCAC - Renaissance Phase I, II Mimar provided the complete rehabilitation of 74 scattered town houses which was located on 50 blocks within the historical area of east Baltimore for the Historic East Baltimore - Community Action Coalition. Mimar developed complete construction drawings and provided plan layouts which incorporated the most efficient use of the existing floor space. Scope of services also included programming, space planning, and upgrades to the interior finishes – along with extensive architectural modifications to the building’s structure. Harlem Park Revitalization Corporation was very pleased with our quality of design, planning, construction documents and personal service we provided and submitted our plans for a Fannie Mimar award, Due to our performance on this project, Mimar was awarded several other similar types of public and private housing projects.

Harlem Park 2000 Phase I & II rehabilitation/refurbishment, Baltimore, MD Mimar performed the complete refurbishment/ rehabilitation for several scattered townhouses located within 10 city blocks of the historical area of Harlem Park in west Baltimore for the Harlem Park Revitalization Corp. Project involved the renovation of more than 24 dwelling units. Scope of work included programming, planning, interior design, and architectural design. Mimar received letter of appreciation from the project manager of Harlem Park Revitalization Corporation.

Multifamily Housing

Arcola Towers – Public Housing, Silver Spring, Maryland, Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County Mimar provided architectural and engineering design services for renovations to the Arcola Towers Apartments Building and addition of an elevator. Scope of work included structural, mechanical, and electrical design and construction documents for the addition of elevator and renovation of several different areas. Mimar performed a thorough field survey and indicated existing conditions accurately. Mimar also provided structural, mechanical and electrical services which included new electrical systems and a new HVAC system.

Housing Opportunity Commission of Montgomery County - Waverly Towers-High-rise Public Housing, Bethesda, MD. The Waverly House Apartments is a 158-unit, high-rise public housing building constructed in 1978 located in the heart of downtown Bethesda, Maryland. Mimar provided a complete evaluation of the ADA accessibility requirements and designed modifications to the one-bedroom apartments located on the 2nd through 9th floors. All units were made fully accessible and significant changes were implemented to the kitchens and bathrooms. The scope of services also included obtaining all necessary building permits, managing the bidding phase and construction administration. All construction documents were prepared in AutoCAD 2008 and technical specifications were prepared using AIA Master Specs format.

Gateway Plaza, Wilmington, Delaware Mimar partnered with Gensler to complete this 300,000 SF, fifteen-story fast track, high profile office facility project for construction cost of $60M. The project is located on the westside of downtown Wilmington, DE. The design responds elegantly and responsibly to its urban context. The thin, crystalline building directs views toward downtown and creates a welcoming gateway to the central business district from nearby I-95. In addition to the core and shell development, Mimar provided tenant fit out and coordinating services for landlord facilities in the office retail components. Gateway Plaza included office and retail spaces as well as a public parking garage.

Merrill Towers, Falls Church, VA Mimar provided architectural and engineering design services for the renovation of this 116,000 SF apartment building. This project included the remodeling of each 88 apartment units and renovation of the main entry lobby. Tenants were in place during renovations, therefore Mimar completed this project in phases, providing swing spaces for tenants until units were renovated.

Ravensworth Towers, Annandale, VA Mimar worked in coordination with AIMCO for the renovation of this 173,000 SF apartment building. The project entailed the refurbishment of all common spaces: lobbies, meeting rooms and corridors. In addition, the project included a new roof system, new windows, new lobby doors and key-card access system with security monitoring.

Key Towers, Alexander, VA Mimar provided architectural design services for energy upgrades to this 140, 000 SF high-rise apartment building. The scope of work included roof replacement, elevator upgrades, new fresh air unit for common areas & corridors. Other upgrades included caulking of windows, masonry repairs, and lobby renovation with new leasing and business offices.

Scotland Community Exterior Renovations, Potomac, Maryland Mimar is providing complete design services to transform the existing 1968 town home structures at Scotland Community. The project is comprised of 75 townhouse units assembled among 12 buildings. Design challenges include addressing the varying arrangements and outdated external elements of the units and their topography, while providing a fresh and efficient use of materials and structure to give a sense of individuality to each home. Mimar proposes a contemporary and inviting style carefully managed to work within the client’s budget.

Spencerville Senior Living/ Community Center, Montgomery County, MD Mimar developed conceptual layouts for 4-acre site, located at 4343 Spencerville Road, Burtonsville, and Montgomery County. Mimar presented conceptual plans to Zoning and Planning Boards of Montgomery County, and to several community associations from adjacent neighborhood. Mimar responsibilities also included programming, planning, interior design, and architectural design. Mimar produced preliminary conceptual sketches, study models, schematic design, design development documents, and construction documents.

Rolling Road – Apartment Housing Project Mimar developed conceptual layouts for 12-acre site, located on 3124 Rolling Road in the heart of Baltimore County. Mimar led the project as prime consultant, and was responsible for coordination between consultants, owner and plans review agencies. Materials used on the project were primarily face brick with CMU backup, aluminum windows and storefront and fiberglass roof shingles. Mimar responsibilities also included programming, Planning, interior design and architectural design. Produced Preliminary conceptual sketches, study models, schematic design, design development documents, and construction documents.

Beechcrest Development, Garden Apartments Mimar provided professional architectural/engineering design services for preliminary planning through construction documents for the development of the Beechcrest residential community. Project included 64 apartment units, 16 affordable units, and four handicapped units. Mimar’s design team analyzed the existing site conditions, conducted extensive surveys, and produced numerous reports for the client in order to provide sufficient information to evaluate the proposed development of the property.

Gateway Arts District, Prince George’s County, Maryland Historically, the arts and artists have played a key role in many communities by stimulating economic development to support the artists living in the community. Mimar was assigned to select three model sites and develop a portrayal design. Mimar analyzed sites, studied zoning planning issues, prepared feasibility studies, made recommendations, developed master plans, and prepared conceptual layouts of mixed-use buildings. The project was so successful that the Redevelopment Authority posted our designs in the main entrance of their offices and will be adding the website presentation to their official website.

Suitland Manor Development - Prince George’s County Housing and Community Development The plan for Suitland Manor community outlines the vision for a 33-acre redevelopment project, which includes the entirety of the proposed 22-acre Suitland Manor project site. The main street would be surrounded by a moderate to high-density residential neighborhood consisting of up to approximately 2,200 market-rate residential units, with an emphasis on home-ownership. Mimar prepared conceptual designs for a retail/commercial center, movie complex, restaurant park and high-density, low-density and medium-density housing.

Clay Courts and Lester Morton Townhouses and Apartments, Baltimore, MD - Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Mimar provided ADA compliance upgrades and construction/ project management for Clay Court and Lestor Morton, a multifamily housing complex consisting of 214 units. Clay Court is comprised of 20 garden-style townhouses and 70 apartment units and Lestor Morton contains 10 garden style townhouses and 114 apartment units.

Housing Opportunity Commission (HOC) of Montgomery County - Holly Hall Public Housing Complex, Hillendale, MD. Holly Hall has three distinct buildings, each comprised of three floors with efficiencies, one bedroom type ‘A’ and type ‘B’ units, and two bedroom units. Mimar provided modifications to all of these units, with the exception of the efficiencies, and each were completely gutted, reconfigured and upgraded. Mimar also altered electrical and mechanical system layouts for new configurations. Bathrooms were enlarged per ADA public housing requirements by readjusting the sizes of bedrooms and sacrificing extra closet space, while kitchens were redesigned for wheel chair accessibility and compliant fixtures and hardware were also provided.

Montello Heights - Adult Retirement Community Lewiston, ME This retirement home is designed to keep its residents as independent as possible for as long as possible, with features such as way-finding systems that are both visual and tactile, paved paths on the grounds for exercise, and porches, dining rooms, and sitting areas that encourage socialization. Residents choose from a continuum of services as they need them. The 150 units have kitchens, but there is also a full commercial kitchen, so meals can be taken in the dining rooms, one seating 60 on the first floor and one for 40 on the second. A small lounge on the first floor has a mini-kitchen and serves as an ice cream parlor, seating up to 30. Windows make the area sunny and bright.

Some of the projects in our portfolio include:

Miller Companies (Multifamily/Apartment Div.) Bethesda, MD
Armonk Development Bethesda, MD
The Elizabeth Bethesda, MD
Maplewood Park Place Bethesda, MD
Leisure World of Maryland Bethesda, MD
Archstone Smith Multifamily Washington, DC
The Bernstein Companies Washington, DC
Eastbanc, Inc. Washington, DC
Capital Properties NY & Washington, DC
JBG Companies Chevy Chase, MD
RKR/Ross/Danac Development Rockville, MD
Fairfax Towers, Falls Church, VA - 14 story, 450 unit, luxury apartment building
AIMCO Denver, CO
Dubin Realty Rockville, MD & Chicago, IL
Stellar Management NY & Northern VA
WCI Communities, Mid-Atlantic Division Reston, VA