BOR: Hartman Design Group
“Think of the Bartlett as a city within a city,” says Phyllis Hartman of Hartman Design Group, the mastermind behind the interiors of Arlington’s largest rental-apartment building. With close to 700 units, the development was conceived as an amenity-rich complex that would have the panache of a trendy boutique hotel.
Defining the public areas’ look is an eclectic mix of contemporary, vintage, and midcentury-modern elements with dashes of warehouse casual and folksy Americana. Natural walnut, rolled steel, and reclaimed lumber add character; pops of red—the corporate color—inject energy.
From entry to roof deck, Hartman encourages residents to leave their apartments and gather in common areas. The lobby is a major hub with doors leading directly to Whole Foods on one side and Joe’s Cold Roast on the other. To accommodate renters who telecommute, Hartman included a business lounge with private conference rooms and multiple work settings, including communal tables, meeting booths, and individual computer stations. A library, sports bar and games room, fitness center, and wraparound roof deck complete with pool and outdoor private dining rooms round out the appealing facilities.
None of this is accidental. “We spent three years vetting how people want to live, work, play, and socialize,” Hartman says. “It paid off.” Indeed: Renter surveys reveal that almost 70 percent of them moved in to the Bartlett specifically for its live-work-play mix.
Design Principal: Phyllis Hartman
Project Team: Lindsey McElvar; Anny Falgas; Rebecca Morris; Hei He
Architect: Torti Gallas + Partners
