Click on the image to view a more detailed version.

or Click on the following link to view a Video.

RPA, Inc. is pleased to be the project architect for the Greenhouse Expansion and Headhouse Modernization at the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. RMF Engineering, Inc. is the prime consultant to USDA who hired RPA, Inc. in a newly formed professional services arrangement. The National Arboretum is a U.S. Department of Agriculture research and education facility as well as a living museum. It is dedicated to serving the public and improving our environment by developing and promoting improved floral and landscape plants and new technologies through scientific research, education programs, display gardens and germplasm conservation. It is a national center for public education that welcomes visitors in a stimulating and aesthetically pleasing environment.

Click on the image to view other snapshots.

NCAA swim meets are a vital ingredient to this Washington, D.C. campus curriculum. An existing natatorium named Reeves Aquatic Center is slated for renovation during 2003. Included in the renovation plan are acoustic treatment and tiled pool apron. There will be extensive modifications to the various environmental control systems including filtration, dehumidification and ventilation. Architectural coordination is require for dozens of visual impact items.

Click on the image to view a larger format file.

or Click on the following link to view a Map.

RPA, Inc. was pleased to assist the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts (BOPA) with the 24th annual Artscape celebration. Considered the region’s largest annual arts festival, this year’s event took place on July 22th through the 24th in the Mount Royal Cultural Corridor.

2005 marked the fourth year RPA, Inc. provided design assistance to Artscape, which also for the fourth time was coordinated and produced by BOPA. Our work focused on design and layout of the site, which encompassed more than 17.25 acres along Mt. Royal Avenue from Cathedral Street to Lafayette Avenue in Mid-Town Baltimore (See Map). The goal was to create a natural flow of event elements from one designated area to the next, but at the same time maintain the unique qualities and theme of each event destination. This year’s Artscape site was enhanced from previous years, and included an artist market, food court, family area, exhibitor’s row, galleries, dance, visual arts and chamber music features, as well as four entertainment stages.

This year’s event was very well received by visitors and the media. Congratulations to the Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts on their highly successful Artscape production.

Click on the image to view a more detailed version.

A downtown Baltimore project RPA, Inc. is managing which involves the conversion of an existing office tower into a telecommunications carrier hotel. Eight new tenants will occupy 100,000 square feet of floor space for purposes of providing telephone and internet switching services. Modifications to the building include fuel farm accommodations, rooftop equipment dunnage, fiber optic risers, battery platforms, increased electrical service, other structural enhancements and substantial tenant improvements. RPA, Inc. acts as the building owner's liasson to each tenant's design team and is the project manager for all landlord improvements.

Click on the image to view a more detailed version.

or Click on the following link to view a Slideshow.

Additions to existing houses generally pose many challenges to architects. One current residential project at RPA, Inc. is especially interesting in that it involves a 150 year-old two-story stone cottage. The proposed 1,400 square-foot master bedroom addition will "respect" the inherent qualities and history of the existing structure. Many feature modifications to previous additions which are already attached to the original "slave quarters" will characteristically enhance the home. Intended changes will be vaulted ceilings as well as updated and modernized heating and cooling systems.

Click on the image to view other snapshots.

Some projects come on the boards at RPA Inc. and are built within an accelerated 10-month sequence. Site plan review is generally the most time-consuming part of the permit process.  When the prototype is accommodated by a particular site without requiring a zoning variance or a great deal of environmental controls, then the project time-line can be abbreviated.  Otherwise, a 12 to 18 month period is not unusual.

During a recent 2-year period RPA, Inc. was successfully involved as project architect for 18 CVS retail pharmacies.

Click on the image to view a more detailed version.

A vital portion of RPA, Inc.'s scope of professional services. Computer Aid Design and Drafting constitute approximately 1/2 of our work effort. Our clients rely on drafting accuracy and detail notation commensurate with the intended project scope.

Click on the image to view other snapshots.

Design-build partnerships in the eighties were frequent among popular theme developments, particularly in the Federal Hill area. Most were not as successful as Bell Tower Commons.  This nine-unit residential condominium was transformed from an 1850's brick church. The challenge was to produce housing at an affordable price yet preserve the existing architectural sacristy without leaving renovation scars. Perhaps this project represents the best effort of its kind in the neighborhood.  Many accolades have resounded for the trio of Richard Polan, Elinor Bacon and Alex Sotir for their development commitment to recycling the former Martini Lutheran Church complex.

Click on the image to view a more detailed version.

Responsible for the firm's expansion and renovation projects since 1980, RPA, Inc. professionsl services have included programming, space planning, state-of-the-art computer integration, interiors consulting, furniture procurement, technical consulting and lighting innovation. Facilities management, construction management and maintenance management have also been provided.