Dragone Realty Investments (DRI) and its affiliated construction company have a track record of completing multifamily rehabilitation and renovation projects, such as managed properties across the Washington DC metro area. Its high-profile projects include renovating Lynnhill Condominiums in Prince George’s County, Maryland, rebranded as Verona at Naylor Metro.
The Temple Hills/Hillcrest Heights community comprises two seven-story buildings. The three-bedroom apartments and studio units have spacious floor plans. Situated near the expansive Oxon Run National Parkway, the location is within walking distance of the Naylor Road Station Metro, which provides an accessible commute to downtown Washington, DC.
In planning the renovation project, DRI focused on incorporating amenities that enhanced the residential experience, meeting contemporary life-safety standards. Before embarking on cosmetic renovations, the company oversaw extensive repairs that ensured the structural integrity of a property that had become dilapidated over time.
The DRI team undertook masonry and brick repairs and installed new energy-efficient balcony doors and windows on all units. It replaced balcony railings and designed and installed a custom metal louver, a fixed or adjustable horizontal slats system, for heating and cooling units. The louver provides airflow into the HVAC system, preventing dirt and debris intrusion. Louvers also help modulate and control airflow and temperature within the building and are part of energy-efficient design. They provide an aesthetic upgrade to bulky heat and cooling units attached to the exterior of buildings,
Moreover, the team focused on installing sturdy metal and concrete pan stairs instead of dangerously crumbling emergency stairs and removing all health-hazardous lead paint and asbestos.
Next, the team restored power building-wide. The electrical system had become stripped of cables and electrical wires, making the panels and circuits non-operational. While construction proceeded, temporary electrical panels, generators, and conducting cables ensured the functionality of equipment and fixtures. Ultimately, this provisional system gave way to a permanent system that included switch gears, wiring, electrical panels, and three-phase backup generators.
The old building lacked a fire suppression system. DRI designed a dedicated fire sprinkler system and fire pump room, with a transfer switch connecting the equipment with municipal power sources and backup generators. The team also replaced smoke detectors in common areas with interlinked regular and carbon monoxide smoke detectors, installing them in all hallways, elevator shafts, confined spaces, and units.
In addition, the DRI replaced the nonfunctional elevators with next-generation energy-efficient 4-traction passenger elevators. It also replaced the gravel roof on both buildings with a new TPO white flat roof, strengthening it and preventing leaks. Insulation crickets helped create a slope for better roof drainage, and they retrofitted new metal copings and roof pipes. Corridors and common areas received a state-of-the-art HVAC system mounted on the roof.
At this point in the project, subcontractors could finally tackle interiors, demolishing the insides of all units and installing kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, high-efficiency LED lighting, Venetian mini and vertical blinds, and sturdy kitchen cabinets. The county-code-compliant upgrades complemented exterior work, including a resurfaced and newly striped parking lot and the replacement of the old, decaying perimeter fencing.
Finally, the new gated community features a sophisticated access control system at building entrances and parking lots designed for cars and pedestrians. The result is an upgraded standard of living in a safe, secure, and comfortable community environment.
