WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 3, 2017) - On Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Pepco will unveil a plaque on its 701 Ninth Street building recognizing Devrouax & Purnell. In 1998, Devrouax & Purnell designed the Pepco Holdings headquarters making them the first African American architectural firm known in history to be selected to design a building in downtown Washington, D.C.  

In addition to the unveiling ceremony, The Paul S. Devrouax, Jr. Memorial Lecture will host Michelle Wilkinson, curator of the National Museum of African American History; Marshall Purnell, president of the American Institute of Architects and partner at Devrouax & Purnell; Beverly Perry, senior advisor to the Mayor of the District of Columbia; Anthony Brown, architect at Devrouax & Purnell, and members of the community for a panel discussion on Preserving Legacy.

"One of the best ways that we can invest in the community is by working with entrepreneurs and businesses like Devrouax & Purnell" says Donna Cooper, Pepco president, "We are honored to recognize and amplify the historical significance of the Pepco Edison Place building. Today's discussion captures a rich history. We are pleased to have had a small role in such a profound accomplishment that resonates with our communities.

Devrouax and his firm have worked on some of the region's largest and most significant buildings, such as Washington Nationals Park, the Washington Convention Center and the headquarters of Freddie Mac and Crestar Bank.  Their transformative structures have helped advance and create a new dynamic in Washington, D.C. that continues to inspire other young and diverse architects. Devrouax's wife and daughter have committed to continuing his legacy through the Paul S. Devrouax, Jr. Memorial Lecture. This non-profit organization is committed to providing a forum for dialogue to inform, mentor and educate young men by providing lectures and interactive events.

To learn more about the Paul S. Devrouax Memorial Lecture, please visit www.psdml.org. Find additional information about Pepco by visiting www.pepco.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pepcoconnect. Our mobile app is available at www.pepco.com/mobileapp.