Engenium Group provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering and design services for the renovation of The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center’s expanded community hub in Washington, DC. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to educating, empowering, celebrating, and connecting LGBTQ+ communities through health and wellness, arts and culture, advocacy, and peer support initiatives.

The completed 6,671-SF facility was designed to create a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment while expanding the Center’s ability to serve the District’s LGBTQ+ community. The new space includes offices, co-working areas, counseling and therapy rooms, meeting and programming spaces, a cyber lounge, wellness and meditation areas, a food pantry, clothing closet, gender-neutral restrooms, and flexible community gathering spaces. The project also created opportunities for collaboration by housing additional LGBTQ+ organizations, including the Wanda Alston Foundation, Rainbow Families, and G3 Associates.

Engenium Group collaborated with Hickok Cole to help deliver an inclusive and sustainable environment focused on occupant wellness, accessibility, and community connection. The design incorporated green-certified materials in alignment with the DC Green Construction and Energy Code while minimizing the project’s environmental impact. The facility also exceeded ADA accessibility requirements to support equitable access for all visitors.

Brandon Harwick, President and Principal Engineer of Engenium Group and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, shared, “I’m proud to have played a part in developing a space where members of the LGBTQ+ community feel safe, supported, and affirmed.”

The project was supported through a $1 million investment from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, reinforcing the District’s commitment to expanding resources and support services for LGBTQ+ residents.

Photos by ©Kate Wichlinski