Sustainability - Architecture, Design & Planning Firm

Facades+ 2026: Penney Design Group Explores the Future of Building Envelopes in Washington, D.C.

This May, members of the Penney Design Group team attended the Facades+ Conference in Washington, D.C., hosted by The Architect’s Newspaper at the Grand Hyatt Washington DC.

The conference brought together architects, engineers, façade consultants, manufacturers, and design leaders from across the country for a full day of presentations, technical discussions, and networking centered around the future of building envelopes and high-performance design.

In addition to the symposium sessions, attendees explored the conference’s Methods + Materials Expo, which featured emerging technologies, innovative façade systems, and material solutions shaping the next generation of architectural design.

From emerging façade technologies to thoughtful conversations about sustainability, adaptability, and user experience, the conference offered valuable insights that continue to shape the way we think about architecture and design at PDG.

A Day Focused on Innovation and Adaptability

One theme that resonated throughout the conference was versatility in façade systems and how layered building envelopes can respond to changing environmental, functional and human needs.

One session titled “A Flexible, Layered System” explored how multi-component façade assemblies can create depth, shading, daylight control, and ventilation while supporting long-term performance and adaptability. The conceptual sketches and diagrams shared during the presentation illustrated how building envelopes are increasingly designed as responsive systems rather than static exterior skins.

Throughout the day, presenters discussed how façade systems are evolving to address increasingly complex demands related to energy performance, climate resilience, occupant wellness, and long-term adaptability. Sessions highlighted topics including embodied carbon reduction, bio-based materials, daylight optimization, mass timber integration, and adaptive reuse strategies for existing buildings.

Several presentations also emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between architects, façade engineers, contractors, and manufacturers early in the design process to successfully balance technical performance with architectural intent — an approach that strongly aligns with the integrated design philosophy we value at Penney Design Group.

Real-World Transformation Through Envelope Design

One particularly memorable presentation showcased a dramatic “before and after” façade transformation for the Bloomberg Center at Johns Hopkins University. The project demonstrated how recladding and envelope modernization can radically alter a building’s visual identity along with improving its daylighting, energy performance, and occupant experience.

The case study reinforced one of the conference’s central ideas: today’s façades are no longer viewed simply as enclosure systems, but as active contributors to sustainability, comfort, identity, and long-term building performance.

For our team, these examples highlighted how thoughtful envelope design can help create buildings that are not only technically high-performing, but also visually engaging and deeply connected to the communities they serve.

Storytelling Through Architecture

Another memorable concept presented during the conference described the façade as both a “newspaper” and a “window on the world.”

These discussions explored how building envelopes communicate information, identity, transparency, and experience. Beyond performance metrics alone, façades help tell a story about the purpose of a building and its relationship to the surrounding community.

For our team, this sparked meaningful conversations about how architecture can simultaneously serve functional demands while also creating memorable, human-centered experiences. Whether designing educational facilities, civic spaces, workplaces, or mixed-use developments, the idea that façades can communicate a building’s purpose and essential character is increasingly relevant in the discussion of today’s built environment.

Sustainability and Performance Continue to Drive Design

Sustainability remained a major focus throughout the conference. Sessions explored how high-performing façade systems contribute to:

Improved energy efficiency
Reduced operational carbon
Enhanced occupant comfort
Daylighting optimization
Long-term building resilience

Many presenters emphasized how rapidly sustainability standards, façade technologies, and building performance expectations continue to evolve across the industry. Discussions frequently returned to the importance of early collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and manufacturers to create systems that successfully integrate durability, constructability, environmental responsibility, and design excellence.

For the PDG team, these conversations reinforced many of the priorities already shaping our own work surrounding durable materials, energy-conscious detailing, adaptable building systems, and integrated project collaboration.

Bringing Ideas Back to the Studio

Professional events like Facades+ Conference provide valuable opportunities to step outside day-to-day project work and engage with broader industry conversations. In addition to technical presentations, the conference created space for networking and dialogue among peers across the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

Our team returned inspired by the innovative work being shared across the profession and energized by the opportunity to apply new ideas, technologies, and collaborative approaches to future projects.

At Penney Design Group, we believe continued learning and collaboration are essential to creating thoughtful, forward-looking architecture. We are proud to support our team’s involvement in events that encourage design exploration, technical growth, and meaningful industry connections.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas into our work.

Driving Sustainability Forward: How Modern Dealership Design Is Evolving

May 6, 2026/ Automotive • Sustainability • Trends

Sustainability in automotive retail is no longer a niche ambition; it’s becoming a defining feature of forward-thinking dealership design. At Penney Design Group, we’ve seen firsthand how evolving client priorities, brand standards, and site constraints are shaping a new generation of high-performance, environmentally conscious facilities. Across our portfolio, sustainability takes many forms: from certified green buildings to innovative site strategies, operational efficiencies, and long-term performance considerations.

Rethinking the Dealership Footprint

One of the most impactful shifts in dealership design is the move toward vertical integration. Projects like Audi Bethesda and BMW of Rockville demonstrate how building upward, rather than outward, can significantly reduce land use while maintaining full program requirements.

Audi Bethesda’s three-story configuration consolidates showroom, office, and vehicle display into a compact urban footprint, maximizing natural light and spatial efficiency. The materials chosen help with increasing indoor air quality and reduce VOC off gassing. The project also aligns with broader Audi dealership design standards, which emphasize daylighting, spatial efficiency, and reduced energy use through their “terminal” concept.

Similarly, BMW of Rockville’s five-story facility integrates sales, service, and inventory parking into a single vertical structure. In addition, the project consolidated multiple dealership operations into one location, reducing redundant building systems and improving overall operational efficiency. While neither project pursued formal LEED certification, BMW Rockville did comply with International Green Construction code, and both reflect sustainable principles through land optimization, reduced site disturbance, and efficient space planning.

Brand Innovation Meets Sustainable Strategy

Luxury brands are increasingly embedding sustainability into their architectural identity. Mercedes-Benz of Bethesda, as the first U.S. implementation of the AH3 design concept, represents a shift toward modernized retail environments that prioritize efficiency and customer experience. This project was a partial demo and rebuild with a reduced footprint by approximately 4,000 SF, as well as a fool renovation. The rooftop boasts a 13, 768 SF green roof; these changes signal how adaptive reuse and thoughtful expansion can extend building life cycles, an often overlooked aspect of sustainability.

Porsche facilities further illustrate this evolution. While not all projects pursue certification, many incorporate sustainable strategies aligned with LEED standards. Porsche Tysons Corner and Porsche Chantilly respond to dense, high-value sites with innovative solutions like multi-level parking and integrated building systems. Notably, Porsche Chantilly achieved LEED BD+C certification, combining a large-scale dealership program with environmentally responsible construction and site development.

Beyond LEED: Expanding the Definition of Green

Sustainability isn’t limited to LEED certification, and some projects are pushing beyond it. The Jaguar Land Rover dealership in Alexandria offers a compelling example. As the first auto dealership to achieve BIT (Building Improvement Toolkit) certification through the Southface Institute, the project reflects a broader approach to sustainability, one that prioritizes long-term operational performance alongside construction practices.

By selecting BIT certification over more traditional frameworks, the project team aligned sustainability goals with real-world dealership operations, targeting measurable reductions in energy use and utility costs. This approach underscores an important shift toward lifecycle-based sustainability, where building performance over time is just as critical as initial design and construction.

This broader definition of sustainability is also evident in the Lindsay Lexus Volvo Campus in Alexandria, which was designed to meet LEED Silver standards. The campus is comprised of three buildings that align with LEED Silver principles, but what distinguishes the project is its sensitivity to the surrounding residential context. Rather than presenting as a typical spread of separate dealership structures, the design employs strategies such as stacked underground parking, vertically integrated service departments, and a green roof to reduce the overall site impact and mitigate heat island effects. Site lighting was designed to provide minimal disruption to neighboring buildings. This approach demonstrates how sustainable design can extend beyond building systems and materials to include thoughtful site integration and community responsiveness.

More broadly, this reflects an industry-wide movement toward future-ready facilities. Increasingly, dealerships are being designed to accommodate evolving technologies such as electric vehicle infrastructure, energy-efficient systems, and adaptable service environments that reduce the need for future retrofits.

Transforming Challenging Sites into Community Assets

Sustainable design also means making smart use of previously underutilized or environmentally compromised land. The Priority Toyota dealership in Springfield exemplifies this approach and was on the leading edge of LEED implementation; designed in 2012 with construction completed in 2015. Built on a remediated landfill site, the project achieved LEED Gold certification in 2017 while transforming a brownfield into a vibrant commercial and community space.

In addition to its environmental achievements, the development contributed to a turf soccer field for the local community, highlighting how dealership projects can deliver broader social value alongside environmental performance.

The Future of Sustainable Dealership Design

Across these projects, a clear pattern emerges: sustainability in dealership design is multifaceted. It includes certification programs like LEED and BIT, but also extends to site strategy, vertical design, adaptive reuse, operational efficiency, and long-term building performance.

At Penney Design Group, we approach each project with a tailored mindset, balancing brand standards, site constraints, and sustainability goals to create high-performing facilities that are built for the future. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, too will the spaces that support it. Increasingly, those spaces will be defined not just by how they look, but by how responsibly they perform.

Designing for Well-Being: Integrating WELL Principles into Multi-Family Communities

April 8, 2026/ Sustainability • Trends

As expectations for residential living continue to evolve, multi-family housing is no longer just about providing shelter; it’s about creating environments that actively support residents’ health, comfort, and well-being. At Penney Design Group, we approach multi-family design through this broader lens, integrating strategies aligned with the International WELL Building Institute’s WELL Building Standard to enhance the everyday experience of the people who live, work, and gather in these spaces.

While not every project pursues formal WELL certification, many of its core principles are deeply embedded in our design process. From material selection to amenity programming, our goal is to create communities that feel as good as they look.

What is WELL Design?

The WELL Building Standard is a performance-based system focused on human health and wellness within the built environment. It emphasizes key categories such as air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind, and community.

In multi-family housing, these principles translate into thoughtful decisions that support both physical and mental well-being, from improved indoor air quality to spaces that foster connection and relaxation.

Designing for Healthier Living Environments

Air, Materials, and Indoor Quality

A foundational aspect of WELL design is ensuring that interior environments promote clean, healthy air. In our multi-family projects, this often includes:

Selecting low-VOC paints, adhesives, and finishes
Prioritizing durable, non-toxic materials
Designing layouts that support proper ventilation and airflow

Projects like Tapestry Annapolis and The Sheffield at Englewood South reflect this approach through carefully curated finish palettes that balance aesthetics with environmental responsibility.

Light, Comfort, and Sensory Experience

Access to natural light and a comfortable indoor environment plays a significant role in resident well-being. We incorporate:

Maximized daylighting in common areas and units
Layered lighting strategies to support different uses and times of day
Thoughtful acoustic considerations to reduce noise and enhance privacy

At The Mark and Vivian Apartment Building, amenity spaces are designed to feel bright, open, and calming, encouraging residents to spend time outside of their units in shared environments.

The Vivian Apartments, 75 Sterling Blvd., Englewood, NJ

Movement and Active Living

Encouraging movement is another key pillar of WELL. In multi-family settings, this goes beyond fitness centers to include:

Inviting stair design and circulation paths
Walkable site planning and connections to outdoor spaces
Amenity programming that promotes active lifestyles

Community-focused projects such as Potomac Green Clubhouse and Spring Hill Community Center emphasize movement through flexible, activity-driven spaces that support both structured and informal use.

Community and Social Connection

A strong sense of community is essential to overall well-being. Our designs prioritize:

Welcoming, multi-functional gathering spaces
Indoor-outdoor connections that bring residents together
Flexible layouts that accommodate events, co-working, and social interaction

At projects like Pinnacle at Waypointe and Norwalk Retail, mixed-use environments create opportunities for connection not just within residential buildings, but across the broader neighborhood.

Mental Wellness and Sense of Place

Beyond physical health, WELL design also addresses emotional and psychological well-being. This is reflected in:

Calming, cohesive material palettes
Biophilic elements and connections to nature
Spaces that feel intuitive, comfortable, and human-scaled

From leasing environments like Foxchase Leasing Center to residential communities such as Burke Shire Commons, Bent Tree, Shenandoah Crossing, and Windsor Park, our work focuses on creating spaces that feel grounded, welcoming, and restorative.

A Holistic Approach to Multi-Family Design

At Penney Design Group, integrating WELL principles is not about checking boxes; it’s about designing with intention. Whether it’s a clubhouse, leasing center, mixed-use development, or full residential community, we aim to elevate the resident experience through thoughtful, human-centered design.

Projects like Parc Reston Community Center and Sagebrush Treatment Center further demonstrate how these strategies can be adapted across a range of program types, reinforcing our commitment to wellness-driven environments.

Corporate Photography, Political Photography, PR Photography

Looking Ahead

As the industry continues to shift toward health-conscious design, WELL principles will play an increasingly important role in shaping multi-family housing. At PDG, we are excited to continue evolving our approach; creating spaces that not only meet the needs of today’s residents but also support their well-being for years to come.

reROOT: PDG Team Explores Resilient Micro-Living in the MICROHOME 10 Competition

February 24, 2026/ Sustainability • Trends

In October 2025, a team from Penney Design Group proudly entered the 10th Edition of the MICROHOME Architecture Competition, an international challenge celebrating small-scale architecture with a huge impact.

Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan, this milestone edition invited architects and designers to rethink compact, sustainable housing. This year’s competition introduced an exciting opportunity: one winning design will be selected for construction by Hapi Homes, alongside a €15,000 prize awarded to its designer.

The challenge?
Design an off-grid modular dwelling under 269 sq.ft. for a young professional couple, redefining what compact, efficient, and sustainable living can look like.

Our team responded with a bold and meaningful proposal: reROOT.

reROOT: Rebuilding, Rerooting, Resilient Living

reROOT envisions a future where language, culture, and environment converge to shape disaster-resilient housing anchored to a tropical hillside.

As global temperatures rise and extreme weather events intensify, reROOT addresses a critical question:

How can we rebuild communities in ways that are stronger, more adaptive, and more joyful than before?

Rather than replicating structures lost to natural disasters, the proposal introduces a modular prototype designed to rebuild, reroot, and sustain. The architecture expresses protection, resilience, and endurance — marrying time-tested traditional wisdom with innovative contemporary strategies.

It is not just shelter.
It is the calm after the storm.

Site Context: Tagaytay City, Cavite

The team selected Tagaytay City along the Tagaytay Ridge in the Philippines, a location defined by panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano.

Tagaytay embodies both beauty and vulnerability.

It’s hot, humid climate and elevated terrain make it one of Southern Luzon’s most desirable destinations. Yet it also faces significant risks from typhoons, seismic activity, and volcanic events. Rapid urban and tourism growth further underscores the need for adaptive, sustainable design.

For the PDG team, this setting became an opportunity:
to transform environmental risk into architectural innovation.

Redefining Resilience

reROOT expands the meaning of resilience beyond resistance. It proposes architecture that adapts, evolves, and thrives within dynamic conditions.

Key Strategies

Passive Design
Maximized natural ventilation, daylight access, and thermal comfort reduce energy demand in a hot, humid climate.
Water Systems
Integrated rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse support off-grid functionality.
Local Materials
Regionally sourced, low-carbon materials reduce environmental impact while honoring local craftsmanship.
Landscape Integration
Native vegetation, green buffers, and contour-sensitive planning stabilize slopes and enhance biodiversity.
Structural Resilience
Flexible systems designed to withstand seismic and wind loads, with elevated modular configurations adaptable to hazard conditions.
Community Spaces
Multi-use areas that serve as both social hubs and safe zones during emergencies.

A Vision for Future Communities

The project envisions a community that mirrors Tagaytay’s essence — peaceful yet powerful, rooted in nature yet forward-looking.

Through careful site analysis and thoughtful architectural response, reROOT demonstrates that:

Safety and beauty can coexist.
Sustainability and comfort are not mutually exclusive.
Compact design can deliver expansive impact.

More than a competition entry, reROOT is a prototype for future communities facing increasingly frequent and intense climate events. It positions architecture as both protection and partnership with nature.

Celebrating Our Team

We are incredibly proud of our PDG team for their innovation, research, and dedication in developing this concept. Participating in MICROHOME 10 reflects our commitment to advancing sustainable, resilient design on a global stage.

Small footprint.
Big vision.
Lasting impact.

CLICK HERE to see the full presentation boards.

A Design Story: 7209 Arrowood Road Residence

September 22, 2025/ Automotive • Sustainability • Trends

At Penney Design Group, our work spans both commercial and residential architecture, from national dealership networks to one-of-a-kind homes in our own community.

Each project challenges us to think about how people move, gather, and live in the spaces we create.

The 7209 Arrowood Road residence in Bethesda, Maryland exemplifies a large-scale Mediterranean-modern mansion, on a rare scale: 22,000 square feet spread across four levels. The house is one of the largest in the DC market.

Designing at Scale

When approaching a home of this size, circulation and flow become as important as aesthetics. The residence is organized vertically around a commercial-grade elevator and horizontally through layered gathering spaces that balance openness with intimacy. Our design team was tasked with making a very large home feel warm, livable, and cohesive.

The Entry Experience

The house welcomes guests with a three-story entry gallery at approximately 42’ high. This space is more than an introduction—it sets the tone for the home by blending vertical drama with a refined material palette. Exotic finishes sourced internationally add richness without overpowering the architecture.

Everyday Living Meets Luxury

At the core of the home is a gourmet kitchen with dual islands, supported by both a butler’s pantry and a secondary pantry. The kitchen anchors a sequence of interconnected spaces: a family room that opens directly to a covered terrace, a sunlit morning room, and a glass-lined sunroom. These transitions allow for a natural movement between interior and exterior life.

Integrating Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

The design intentionally extends living areas to the outdoors. A covered terrace with an outdoor kitchen overlooks a landscape that includes a koi pond, swimming pool, and tennis court. These features are not add-ons but integrated elements that reinforce the home’s connection to its site.

Specialized Spaces

The residence layers in purpose-built rooms designed for specific experiences:

A theater room for immersive entertainment.
A library paired with a wine cellar and wet bar for quiet evenings or social gatherings.
An exercise room with direct terrace access, bringing wellness into contact with fresh air and natural light.

Private Retreats

The primary suite is conceived as a retreat within the home, featuring dual walk-in closets, a spa-inspired bath, a sitting area, and a secluded balcony. Each additional bedroom includes its own bath and private access to outdoor terraces, giving family members and guests a sense of autonomy within the larger structure.

Flexibility and Wellness

The upper levels balance productivity and restoration. Two private offices with terraces provide ideal live-work spaces, while a dedicated spa suite with sauna and steam room supports wellness and relaxation. These features highlight how residential design increasingly blurs the line between work, leisure, and health.

Entertainment and Collections

The lower level includes a playroom with a wet bar that opens onto yet another terrace, continuing the theme of indoor-outdoor connection. For car enthusiasts, garaging for seven vehicles plus a carport is seamlessly integrated into the design, reinforcing that architecture can support not only daily living but also personal passions.

Beyond Luxury

What makes 7209 Arrowood Road special is not just its size or amenities—it’s the way those elements come together into a cohesive architectural vision. The design demonstrates how commercial-scale planning and detail can be brought into the residential realm to create a home that is at once grand, functional, and deeply personal. The house is like a resort or a private cultural building compressed into a residence. The combination of a formal arrival, towering internal volumes, carefully arranged mezzanines/galleries, and purpose-built amenity spaces produces an experience that’s more about spatial sequence and material quality than about any single flashy feature.

Sustainability in Automotive Architecture: Trends & Best Practices

July 15, 2025/ Automotive • Sustainability • Trends

A Shift in the Industry

For years, the automotive industry has focused on innovation—smarter engines, sleeker designs, and most recently, a push toward electric vehicles. But there’s another transformation underway, and it’s happening in the buildings that sell and service these cars. Dealership architecture is going green. Not just with flashy buzzwords, but through meaningful design decisions that help reduce environmental impact and support long-term efficiency. At Penney Design Group, we’ve embraced this shift and continue to shape spaces that align with a more sustainable future.

Choosing the Right Materials

Sustainable design starts with smart material choices. Today’s dealerships don’t have to rely on high-impact construction elements to make a statement. Instead, we’re seeing growing interest in using recycled metals, low-VOC paints, reclaimed wood, and durable finishes that reduce the need for frequent replacement.

Green roofing systems, translucent panels for natural daylighting, and advanced insulation methods are becoming more common in our projects, helping to lower energy demand while enhancing the overall aesthetic. These aren’t just “nice-to-have” features—they’re practical investments that pay off over time.

Energy Efficiency that Performs

A major focus of sustainable architecture is energy performance. In our dealership designs, this shows up in everything from HVAC systems to lighting layouts. We design spaces that make the most of natural ventilation and daylight, reducing the need for constant mechanical cooling and artificial light. LED lighting systems are carefully placed to maximize coverage while using as little power as possible.

We also work with engineers to specify high-efficiency HVAC systems that can adapt to different seasons and usage patterns. The result is a dealership that works smarter, uses less energy, and lowers operational costs for the owner.

The Site Matters Too

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the walls of a building. It starts at the site. When we plan a dealership, we look at the bigger picture—how stormwater moves, where sunlight hits, and how vehicle traffic flows in and out. Proper grading and permeable paving help reduce runoff and improve groundwater recharge. Landscaping with native plants cuts down on water use and maintenance.

Thoughtful orientation of the building can make a huge difference in how efficiently it handles heat and light. These early planning decisions are crucial and often determine how well the entire project will perform over time.

Designing for What’s Ahead

The dealerships of today need to be ready for tomorrow. That’s why our sustainable strategies also consider future growth and adaptability. We design service areas that can accommodate electric vehicle infrastructure. We plan mechanical rooms that allow for upgrades down the line. And we create flexible showroom spaces that can be reconfigured as brands and customer experiences evolve.

Sustainability isn’t just about reducing carbon footprints—it’s also about designing smarter spaces that can adapt to change without needing to be torn down or rebuilt.

Our Commitment

At Penney Design Group, we don’t treat sustainability as a separate checklist—it’s part of our process. Whether we’re designing a luxury flagship dealership or a family-run service center, we’re always looking for ways to make it more efficient, more resilient, and more responsible.

We believe the best buildings are the ones that stand the test of time—architecturally, functionally, and environmentally.

Meet The Whitley: New Luxury Residences in Old Town North

July 9, 2025/ Sustainability • Trends

Meet The Whitley: New Luxury Residences in Old Town North

Penney Design Group is thrilled to unveil The Whitley, a new landmark in the heart of Alexandria’s vibrant Old Town North neighborhood. This sophisticated, boutique-style building at 805 N Columbus Street brings 78 elegantly designed condominium residences, 8 of which will be affordable for 100% AMI residents, ranging from studios to three-bedroom homes with terraces, to one of the region’s most sought-after addresses. Developed by PT Blooms with Eichberg Construction as the general contractor, The Whitley is set to deliver in Fall 2025.

Design Vision at Penney Design Group

Our vision for The Whitley began with a clear goal: to bring to Old Town North a distinctively contemporary design which blends a carefully considered modern aesthetic with the character and details of Alexandria’s built heritage; a building which seamlessly fits within the neighborhood yet distinguishes itself by setting a new standard in the area for progressive, forward-looking, high-quality development.

As seen from the corner of North Columbus & Madison streets, The Whitley’s primary massing matched the scale, materiality, and fenestration of the adjacent rowhouses. At the same time, its upper-level setbacks and façade articulations are differentiated using more contemporary materials and treatments. Project-wide, we employed a 12” long brick as a contemporary counterpoint to the 8” standard brick used in traditional rowhouses.

Communal amenities in the project include outdoor terraces on the 5th and 6th floors with defined seating and gathering areas, gas grills, landscaping and city views; a resident lounge with kitchen/bar and fireplace; boutique fitness center; 1st floor courtyard space; bike storage; EV charging; pet-wash; and package room with cold storage for grocery deliveries.

In the residences, the interiors were optimized with open-plan layouts and high ceilings, and accessorized with wide plank white oak flooring, custom micro-shaker cabinetry, quartz countertops, solid-core doors, roller shades, and carefully designed storage solutions.

21st-Century Sustainability

The owners’ mandate to create a one-off residential destination of refined living and contemporary convenience is supplemented by their commitment to the earmarks of 21st-century sustainability: community, wellness, accessibility, and economy of means.

Sustainability today is a broad concept encompassing various environmental, social, and economic components meant to foster better conditions for present and future generations. The Whitley promotes these concepts through the following:

Community

Community begins at The Whitley with a more economically diverse population. Affordable housing units are offered alongside market-rate units. This more comprehensive demographic comes together in The Whitley’s various communal spaces: the resident lounge, the boutique fitness center, the outdoor terraces and courtyards on varying levels, social spaces which promote and foster a sense of belonging and social support.

Wellness

Along with community, individual well-being is nurtured at The Whitley through the thoughtful management of the building’s various environmental features. From the ground level to the rooftop, The Whitley is ecologically engineered to integrate the project’s stormwater management requirements with the climate/health/aesthetic benefits of its greenscape. A green roof, terrace planters, Bio-retention ponds in various locations, and extensive planting throughout the project capture and recycle rainwater, reduce urban heat island effects, improve air quality and enhance biodiversity.

Accessibility

The Whitley’s prime location, a short walk to the historic core of Old Town Alexandria, the Potomac waterfront, and an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and shopping options, offers a pedestrian-friendly urbanism with Alexandria being a model for a unique, ideal urban environment with a small town feel. Just blocks away, the Braddock Metro stop provides connections to Washington, DC and its array of civic, cultural, and business amenities. Recreationally, there are bike and running trails with easy access to DC, Mt. Vernon, and beyond.

Economy of Means

At The Whitley, economy of means is expressed through the thoughtful integration of form, function, and finish—where each design decision serves multiple purposes, and where restraint becomes a tool for elegance. Rather than relying on an abundance of materials or ornate gestures, the building achieves impact through the careful calibration of its elements: a reduced material palette, refined detailing, and efficient spatial planning.

Every brick course, window alignment, and recessed volume was designed to balance aesthetic presence with cost-conscious execution. For example, the use of a singular, elongated 12” brick delivers both a modern identity and an efficient installation process, offering a contemporary rhythm that ties back to local traditions while reducing complexity.

Inside, open-plan layouts maximize livable area and flexibility within a compact footprint, allowing for generous spatial experiences without excess. Shared amenity spaces are consolidated across levels to encourage vertical circulation and offer layered communal experiences without requiring oversized common areas.

Owner/Architect/Contractor Collaboration

The project’s success is a result of thoughtful collaboration among the Owner, Architect, and Contractor. Along with our specialized team of consulting engineers, this collaboration guided the project on a clear and deliberate path through the stringent review processes of the Community and the City of Alexandria’s review board. It continued throughout the project’s various design development, construction documents, and construction administration phases.

What’s Next

Sales milestones: Over 35% of residences sold within weeks of sales launch, with pricing ranging from the $500,000s to $1.9 million.

Construction timeline: On track for Fall 2025 delivery, slated for move-ins in early 2026.

Follow along: Stay tuned for updates on interior finishes, landscape activation, and official opening announcements.

In Closing

The Whitley reflects Penney Design Group’s commitment to delivering thoughtful, sustainable design, meaningful community connections, and impeccable execution—from programming to ribbon cutting. We’re honored to be part of this well-curated collection of homes in Old Town North—welcome home.

Porsche Beachwood Wins NAIOP 2025 New Construction Project of the Year

June 5, 2025/ Sustainability • Trends

We are honored to announce that Porsche Beachwood, one of the first Generation 5 Porsche dealerships in the Midwest, has been honored with the 2025 New Construction Project of the Year award by NAIOP Northern Ohio.

This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional achievement in commercial real estate development, architecture, and construction within the region, and we are thrilled that our design work played a central role in this project’s success.

At Penney Design Group, this milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to brand-focused architecture that brings spaces to life. We partnered with Penske Automotive Group and Marous Brothers Construction to bring this flagship dealership to life, turning a formerly abandoned hotel site just outside Cleveland into a dynamic 65,000-square-foot automotive destination that redefines what a luxury dealership can be.

The significance of the award

NAIOP’s New Construction Project of the Year award honors projects demonstrating excellence in design, function, sustainability, and community value. Winning this award reflects the deep collaboration and forward-thinking approach that went into Porsche Beachwood, transforming a neglected site into a vibrant commercial hub that serves both the brand and the local community.

Bringing Porsche’s vision to life through design

Porsche’s global design standards shaped every decision, from layout to materials. We aimed to create a facility that would not only meet the rigorous functional demands of a modern dealership and service center but also embody Porsche’s spirit.

One of the most striking architectural features is the custom ACM (Aluminum Composite Material) façade at the main entrance, inspired by the rear silhouette of the Porsche 911 Carrera. During the day, the façade filters natural light into the showroom, while at night, it is illuminated in glowing red, making a bold statement that perfectly captures Porsche’s iconic style.

Inside, the dealership boasts a two-story showroom connected by a built-in vehicle elevator, allowing for dramatic vehicle displays on both levels. This design not only maximizes the visual impact for customers but also optimizes space efficiency in the showroom.

The service area is equally impressive, featuring 19 in-ground vehicle lifts, each paired with fully equipped workstations designed to streamline technician workflow and enhance customer service. This level of operational sophistication supports Porsche’s commitment to high maintenance and repair standards.

The collaborative journey

From concept through completion, we worked side by side with Penske Automotive Group and Marous Brothers Construction to ensure every detail reflected Porsche’s brand standards of excellence and Penske’s operational and aesthetic requirements.

This synergy of design and construction expertise resulted in a dealership that is as functional as it is beautiful, earning high praise from the client and industry alike.

IMPACT BEYOND THE DEALERSHIP

Beyond serving as a state-of-the-art automotive retail and service center, Porsche Beachwood represents a significant investment in the local community. The project revitalized a previously underutilized site, contributing to the area’s economic development and job creation.

Furthermore, the design incorporates sustainable practices and materials that align with modern environmental standards, emphasizing responsible development.

Looking ahead

Winning the NAIOP 2025 New Construction Project of the Year motivates us at Penney Design Group to continue pushing boundaries in automotive dealership architecture and commercial design. We are passionate about creating spaces that elevate brands, enhance customer experience, and positively impact communities.

Porsche Beachwood is a proud example of what can be achieved when visionary design, skilled craftsmanship, and brand collaboration come together. We look forward to bringing the same dedication and creativity to future projects that help shape the future of automotive retail.

Here’s to bold design—and the teams that make it happen, including our design partners Tarantino Engineering Consultants, P.C. and Westside Engineering, LLC.