News

The development team at Mission First Housing, along with Montgomery County community leaders and our staff enjoyed a “topping off” celebration to mark a significant milestone in the construction of a new, 90-unit senior housing development at 1910 University Blvd. This affordable housing community is being developed on the former parking lot of the Har Tzeon–Agudath Achim synagogue.

When completed in early Summer 2026, the project will include a mix of 78 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments plus fitness room, club room with a raised patio, laundry lounges on each floor, and an outdoor terrace.

The ribbon cutting at the new Carl F. West Senior Estates was celebrated in honor of the late NCBA Board Chairman, Carl F. West. Family, friends, community leaders, neighbors, and the entire team involved in this meaningful development were on hand to dedicate this legacy project that was decades in the making.

This new construction, 9 story senior living community is one of the first of its kind in Washington, DC that combines Independent Senior Living, Grand Family Apartments (homes for grandparents raising grandchildren), two levels of underground parking, and 8,000SF of office space to housing the national headquarters for National Caucus & Center on Black Aging (NCBA).

The new building adjoins, and is connected at the ground floor to the existing Samuel J. Simmons Senior Apartments, which is also owned by NCBA and consists of 175 units for Affordable Independent Seniors.

We are thrilled to be part of this project and appreciate the many accolades from the Development Team who marveled at the “beautifully designed building that will serve an incredible purpose in the heart of DC”.

We celebrated the Grand Opening of The Louise on Western and the Re-Opening of the LISNER LOUISE DICKSON HURT HOME with uplifting music, exceptional food, and heartfelt (and tearful) remarks that recognized the importance of these projects. These two adjacent properties will continue the historic Lisner legacy of providing exceptional housing for low-income seniors in DC’s wealthiest neighborhood.

The Louise, developed in partnership with Urban Atlantic, is a new 93-unit community for independent seniors that includes exceptional amenities like fitness center, styling salon, club room with outdoor terrace, and more.

The Lisner Asst. Living was a full renovation of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to restore the historic home after a catastrophic flood. Our team designed new unit layouts to increase the density, utilized under-used spaces, and modernize each room to create a stunning environment for the residents to enjoy.

Many thanks go out to our entire team and consultants, including Wiles Mensch, Allen + Shariff Corporation, and Sustainable Building Partners for their incredible efforts on these two amazing projects. Congratulations to the entire Lisner campus. Keep Living the Mission!

The celebratory grand opening remarks can be viewed here: https://lnkd.in/eNFkaDRd

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Jeremiah Fordham to Associate Principal. Since joining the firm in 2019, Jeremiah has taken on increased responsibilities overseeing the architectural teams, devoting time to improving the firms quality standards and deliverables, and investing in the development of other staff members. “Jeremiah is an incredibly valuable member of our team who seeks ways to support our growth, mentor and train staff, and ensure our clients are well served. We are grateful to recognize him and the work he is doing”, said Michael Wiencek, FAIA, President.

Several team members from Wiencek + Associates recently partnered with the District Architecture Center to teach a session of their children’s summer camp. We taught the students about plans, sections, elevations, and scale, while helping them draw their first floor plan. It was so fulfilling to give back to the community and encourage the next generation of architects!

We are so pleased to announce that LISNER LOUISE DICKSON HURT HOME earned a Vision Award for 2024 by the The Committee of 100 on the Federal City.

The Committee recognized the Home for its outstanding collaboration with public and private sources and the community to expand its long-standing mission of caring for low- and moderate-income seniors. After a flood in 2020 rendered a portion of the historic assisted living building unhabitable, , developed a strategy to restore and improve the facility. The renovation plan features 45 handicapped-accessible private rooms and baths that will enable individuals to comfortably age in place; full renovation is scheduled for completion by mid-December 2024. Our firm also designed an adjacent new 93-unit building for affordable independent senior living that the Home is developing with Urban Atlantic. The Home’s resourceful, creative and collaborative approach serves as a replicable model for developing affordable housing throughout Washington, DC and turned tragedy into opportunity in service of DC’s low-income seniors. We are so honored to be part of this amazing community. Congratulations to all.

Congratulations to Kumi Wickramanayaka for being named 2024 Emerging Architect by AIA|DC. We are thrilled that Kumi was recognized for her leadership, mentorship, volunteer efforts, and commitment to the profession. She is a role model in our firm who continues to grow and seeks new challenges.

“Kumi is a highly valued team member within our office. Her reliability, hard work, and open approach resonate so strongly that senior leaders eagerly want her on their team. Her unwavering dedication to our profession, coupled with her remarkable contributions to design equity, community advocacy, and mentorship, make her a truly invaluable asset.” said Michael A. Wiencek, FAIA.

Way to go Kumi!