In Washington, DC’s PDR 1/FT zone, Bitarchitects changed an existing warehouse on Emerson St into a special F-1 medical cannabis edibles facility. To do this, the team focused on clean work areas, careful planning, and the strict rules for making these products. As a result, the old storage space became a facility designed for medical cannabis edible production.

The project covered 2,147.43 square feet. Within this space, the team planned each area for a clear purpose. First, Bitarchitects removed the interior finishes and exposed the building’s structural frame. By doing so, the team prepared the space for a new layout that supported each step of edible production. In addition, this new layout helped organize the work from start to finish.

To begin, the team arranged the facility in a clear order that followed each product through the production process. First, staff received ingredients in the raw material intake and receiving area under controlled conditions. Next, they moved the materials to the sanitization and preparation kitchen. In this area, strong work surfaces, special ventilation, and strict cleaning rules supported safe food preparation. As a result, the kitchen helped maintain the conditions needed for production.

After preparation, staff moved to the production and cooking suite to make infused edibles with care. To support safe and smooth work, the team planned airflow, equipment placement, and staff movement. Once the products were ready, staff moved them to the packaging and labeling area. There, workers sealed each item and recorded the required details. Afterward, they prepared the products for distribution.

In addition to these work areas, Bitarchitects included two secure storage rooms: one for raw ingredients and another for finished goods. Both rooms supported controlled conditions and medical-grade standards. Furthermore, the design included ADA-compliant spaces and areas with controlled access. Along with these features, the team added the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems needed for regulated cannabis production. Together, these features supported the facility’s special needs.

Finally, Bitarchitects added a new accessible loading ramp to complete the project. With this ramp, staff could move incoming materials and outgoing products more safely and easily. As a result, the ramp improved the movement of goods in and out of the building. At the same time, it supported the facility’s access and regulatory needs.

Overall, Bitarchitects did more than update an old warehouse. Instead, the team transformed the building into a modern facility for medical cannabis edible production. Through careful planning, the team brought together the needs of daily work, regulatory rules, and architectural design. As a result, the facility supported a clear and organized production process. Ultimately, the Emerson St project showed how thoughtful design could support clean work areas, product quality, and regulated production.

Project Location:

Washington, DC

Project Type:
Commercial – Production Facility F1

Project Valuation:
1,367,410.00 USD

Built-Up Area:
2,174.43 SF

Construction Type:
Type II

Project Zoning:
PDR-1/FT

Number of Floors:
1

Code:

2017 Washington DC Building Code