Cumulus Media

Washington, D.C.

Cumulus Media, the second-largest operator of AM and FM radio stations in the US, engaged V Three Studios to upgrade their Washington, D.C. offices and radio studios into a state-of-the-art broadcast facility. Situated on the 4th floor of a 1970s office building, the 11,000 sq.ft. space has housed radio stations since the late 1970s and features an extremely low floor-to-floor height. V Three Studios managed the design and renovation of the facility, which remained operational throughout the entire construction process.

The construction was phased to ensure 24/7 operability. Initially, new on-air studios, multiple production rooms, a lobby, mailroom, conference rooms, open and private offices, and an employee lounge were constructed. This was followed by the renovation of existing studios, the newsroom, technical operations center, and offices, which included updates with refreshed finishes and energy-efficient lighting.

Given the building’s low floor-to-floor heights and the extensive services required for the technical spaces, such as conduit, cabling, and ducts, a primary goal of the renovation was to create a more spacious experience for the users. New ductwork and cabling were strategically placed to eliminate ceilings in the new open office area and employee lounge, while also allowing for higher ceilings in the new studios and conference rooms, exceeding the original 8-foot height. The new facility now offers a calm, welcoming environment with neutral colors, warm wood accents, and indirect lighting, highlighted by the colorful showcase studios.