1700 Pennsylvania Avenue – The Mills Building

The historic Mills Building at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue has undergone a complete transformation after a meticulous redesign and remodel completed in 2022. Renowned for its proximity to national landmarks, this iconic 11-story structure built in 1966 captivates with its attention to detail, expansive floor plates, and landscaped rooftop terrace offering unrivaled views of Washington, D.C.

Zahner worked with the late Bob Schofield, former senior vice president at master developer Akridge, who wanted a metal-paneled lobby that evoked movement and artistry. Schofield specified a unique finish of pure zinc for the interiors of the Mills Building, using ZEPPS (Zahner Engineered Profile Panel System) to create the curvilinear shape of the walls. This allowed the panels to be manufactured to very accurate dimensions in Kansas City while the building renovation was underway. Each ZEPPS module was floor to ceiling and 8 feet in width, allowing for the rapid installation of the pure zinc surface that was darkened to create a mottled finish on the small layered shingles.

Bill Zahner and Bob Schofield became good friends over the years as he challenged Zahner on a number of projects, creating some of the most remarkable metal surfaces in Washington, D.C. We miss Bob and the impact he had on the work.