KGPdesign studio

Rosslyn Station is at the center of new development and features the tallest buildings in the D.C. area. The new all-elevator entrance is the focus of Rosslyn's central plaza. A residential and office tower defines the plaza. This new public space will surround restaurants, active storefronts, and the towers' entrances.

The Metro entrance consists of three high-speed elevators extending from the plaza to the new mezzanine approximately 110 feet below grade. The mezzanine space is carved out of rock, creating a natural vault lined with precast concrete panels. The interior finish is similar to the precast in the Red Line stations north of Dupont Circle, with inset acoustic panels and indirect lighting integrated with the horizontal ribs. Protected by large fire doors, the new passage connects to the existing escalator passageway. These doors close in an emergency, allowing the mezzanine to act as an area of refuge. A new emergency stair tower flanks the elevators connecting to the street level through an emergency hatch. Below the mezzanine, new service rooms supply fresh air and air-conditioning to the mezzanine.

A glass enclosure surrounds the three elevators and vent shafts at the surface. Although separated by glass, the elevators and vents appear translucent, with vision glass surrounding the elevator cabs for safety. Blue stone in a pattern similar to the plaza's design encloses the vent on the south side of the elevators. The enclosure is up-lit with LED fixtures in the base surrounding the structure. A glass canopy protects patrons from the weather while waiting.