Project Team
Architect: Torti Gallas Urban, Inc.
Builder: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Developer: DPR
The Barry Farm neighborhood was the first African-American home-ownership community in the District of Columbia, initially bringing hope and opportunity to its residents. After decades of attempted renewal and neglect, Barry Farms became one of the most underserved neighborhoods in the city. Reversing this downward trajectory, in 2015 the city opened a new Recreation Facility to provide needed amenities to residents as part of the New Communities Initative. The Recreation Center has become a beacon for hope and continued neighborhood revitalization.
The Recreation Center provides a gymnasium with stadium seating, a multipurpose room, fitness center, indoor pool, outdoor basketball courts, multipurpose athletic field and playground. This LEED Silver Certified building features a green roof and solar shading and water reduction strategies. According to John Stokes, DPR Chief of Staff, “The Barry Farm Recreation Center is going to be crown jewel not just for Ward 8 but in the entire city.”
