Location:
Alexandria, Virginia
Description:
Built in 1942, Potowmack Crossing Condominium is a 242-unit garden-style community located in the Old and Historic District of Alexandria. TDL investigated and specified the restoration of the cupola, which had fallen into disrepair. It originally had one tall casement window on each of its 8 sides and was clad in painted galvanized steel and wood siding. Over time, windows broke, steel rusted, and wood components began to rot. The cupola was later covered completely with vinyl siding and eventually covered with plastic tarps prior to our involvement. Projects altering the exterior appearance of the property are subject to design guidelines and review from both the Old and Historic Districts, as well as the National Park Service. We consulted with the City’s historic staff to ensure the design would meet all necessary historic requirements. Per our design, the restoration work included replacing rotten wood, strengthening of structural connections, new flashings, ice and water barriers, fiberglass windows, copper cladding and roofing, fiber cement siding, and restoration of the weathervane. The selection of modern materials for the windows and siding provides simplified maintenance. While not original to the cupola, copper is a traditional cladding material that was selected because it does not rust, nor does it require painting. The new watertight cupola has a more historically appropriate aesthetic.
