Awards
  • ABC of Metro Washington Excellence in Construction Award, Residential Multi-Mid Rise

Project Brief

The Rockville area has more government jobs per square foot than Washington, DC. And yet, this area has been notorious for its shortage of rental apartment buildings. Thanks to the urban-development foresight of JBG Residential, the area’s government employees finally have the option of living closer to where they work.

Two new mixed-use transit-oriented developments, the Galvan and The Terano, are offering the convenience of urban living without the city hassles — transforming the neighborhood from isolated to booming. Together, the two buildings comprise more than 500 modern apartment homes and over 130,000-SF of retail space, and JBG called on our sustainability leadership and multi-family expertise to build it all.

While we’ve worked with the JBG Companies on a number of government and commercial buildings over the years, this marked our first project with JBG Residential. This was also particularly special because our DAVIS headquarters is rooted in Rockville — right across the tracks from the construction site. Needless to say, we were excited to play a role in the area's transformation.

recreation room
excavated lot
sitting area in apartment
pool area
gym area
sitting and kitchen area

Hear More About It

This project proved to the client that we can build wood-frame residential just as well as concrete high-rises and commercial headquarters.

Kyle Krochina, Senior Project Manager, Davis

From the (Frozen) Ground Up

Unlike The Terano that has above ground parking, the Galvan required a deeper excavation to build-out its below-grade parking garage. Brutal winter conditions and record-breaking freezing temperatures almost halted our work, but a schedule delay was not an option. With national retailer Safeway onboard and requiring early access to the space, we expedited our work. Through creative phasing and strategic planning, our team minimized the impacts of weather-related challenges and change orders to meet the tenant’s early turnover date.

In addition to coordinating with Safeway, our construction of the Galvan required ongoing communication with WMATA personnel. Located less than 500 feet from the Twinbrook Metro Station entrance, the site’s proximity to a high-traffic transit hub added a layer of complexity. But today, it’s the Galvan’s closeness to the Metro — and high-end amenities — that make it so desirable. The property includes 365 wood-framed residential units organized around four courtyards, featuring a swimming pool, grilling areas, outdoor living rooms and fireplaces. For outdoor enthusiasts, a new bike path connects the Galvan to Rock Creek Park.

Setting the Standard for Others to Follow

Targeting LEED Silver® certification, the design of the overall development integrated principles of smart growth, urbanism, and green construction practices. The finished building features an on-site bike maintenance center, Zipcar® spots, sustainable building materials, Energy Star® appliances, and water-efficient fixtures. Additionally, 15 percent of the apartments are dedicated as Montgomery County Moderately Priced Dwelling Units.

Photos by Michael Carter Photography