Duke Ellington School of the Arts

Washington, DC

Originally constructed in the 1890’s, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) modernization project transformed an aging National Landmark building into the District’s showpiece for academic and visual and performing arts education. With new design elements woven throughout the historic fabric and the Ellington Theatre at its center, DESA is a place for learning unlike any other.

Completed 2017

265,000 sf

Design Team
Lance Bailey & Associates and cox graae+spack architects Joint Venture

Client
DC Department of General Services