Alban Towers

Torti Gallas was retained by The Charles E. Smith Companies to design new apartment units within this historic structure. Reusing the historic exterior and infrastructure of this noteworthy building near the Washington National Cathedral, allowed for reduction of waste and environmental impact, as well as conservation of a cultural resource. In addition, the plaza garden built on top of a new buried parking structure behind the building helps reduce impervious surfaces and stormwater run-off, while solving a critical issue--parking.

Construction of the Alban Towers apartment-hotel began in 1928.  Its Gothic-revival arches and buttresses echo the Washington National Cathedral across the street. When it opened in 1929, Alban Towers was the largest rental apartment-hotel in the City.  In 1973 the complex was purchased by Georgetown University and converted to student dormitories.  Alban Towers is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  In addition the building is featured in James M. Goode’s book “Best Addresses”  on Washington, D.C.’s apartment buildings.  According to Goode, notables including Frank Sinatra and Bette Davis stayed in the building’s hotel suites for the 1961 inauguration of John F. Kennedy.