Mass Timber Project Adds 3 Floors to Commercial Building

Back in 2019, when Columbia Property Trust was mulling how to increase the height of its existing 90-ft, seven-story, concrete-framed office building at 80 M St. SE in Washington, D.C., it chose a mass timber frame over a steel frame for an addition atop the oldest high-rise in the Navy Yard neighborhood. That was a ground-breaking choice. It would mean that the facility would  be D.C.’s first mass timber commercial office building.

Sawmill to Site | Walking Around A Space Made From Trees

Mass timber is capable of achieving a total carbon footprint equal to one-third of similarly sized concrete and steel buildings. Plus, research suggests timber-built architecture can boost a person’s morale, productivity and sense of wellness. Meet Jesse Stephens, Senior Director of Project Management at Columbia Property Trust. Jesse is a leader on the first mass timber vertical expansion in Washington D.C., 80M Street.

This film is in partnership with Think Wood, The Wood Products Counsel, and the team at Hickok Cole.