A Garage-to-ADU Conversion in 16th Street Heights

• June 20, 2019

by Nena Perry-Brown

Since regulations were clarified on accessory dwelling units (ADU) in DC, UrbanTurf has taken interest in the ADU market, highlighting examples of units at various stages in different parts of the city. Today, we turn our attention to a recently-completed garage-to-ADU conversion in 16th Street Heights.

In April, architect Ileana Schinder designed the conversion of a run-down garage behind a house on Gallatin Street into a one-bedroom accessory dwelling. The unit occupies 450 square feet, hosting the bedroom, bathroom, open kitchen/living area and laundry room on a single floor. A bonus storage attic sits above the bathroom and laundry room, accessible from the bedroom.

The blue-painted cedar-shingled exterior of the 1950s-era garage was restored in the conversion, and the existing concrete floor was retained and painted for the new unit. Otherwise, while the bones of the structure informed and provided a basis for the design, the majority of the unfinished wood frame interior saw an intensive facelift. 

The existing door and window openings were restored while other openings were added to enhance the natural light. The unit also has a permable gravel parking area which can double as a patio. The ADU was rented prior to being completed. 

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/a-garage-to-adu-conversion-in-the-16th-street-heights/15559