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Imagine a building that has its own distinct identity, both in style and impact. In joint collaboration, Akridge, COPT, and Argos Group have developed a trophy property at 2100 L Street in Washington, D.C. with its own unique features, created to serve the specific needs of its Clients and amplify their employees’ workplace experience. More than that, the property aims to entrench itself as an integral part of the surrounding community in the Golden Triangle Business District, which is why the three developers are proud to support the Thaddeus Stevens Scholarship program.

The scholarship program pays homage to the historic Thaddeus Stevens School and its namesake, former U.S. congressman and anti-slavery activist Thaddeus Stevens. As part of the 2100 L project, Akridge, COPT, and Argos Group renovated the Thaddeus Stevens School, one of the first publicly funded schools for the education of black students in D.C. Over five years, $50,000 in scholarship funds will be awarded to five D.C. students – the most recent recipient is Kasai Rogers.

As a recent graduate of the DC International Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., Kasai began his freshman year at Morehouse University this fall. Despite starting college virtually, Kasai is proud to join the Morehouse family as a finance major with a minor in cinema, television, and emerging media studies. In addition, Kasai immediately got involved with extracurriculars by joining the Morehouse Business Association.

According to Kasai, he is extremely grateful for the Thaddeus Stevens Scholarship. It has allowed him to continue his education and helped alleviate some of the financial burden that attending college would have otherwise put on him and his family. The $10,000 scholarship reflects Akridge, COPT, and Argos Group’s commitment to the community and legacy of Thaddeus Stevens.

“When I leave Morehouse, I will be able to start my professional career or go to graduate school without feeling the burden of undergraduate loans,” added Kasai. “This scholarship has given me an advantage that I will use to give back. I feel proud to be able to say that I am a Thaddeus Stevens Scholarship recipient and have the chance to carry on his legacy of leadership and service.”

Kasai chose Morehouse College because of its strong history of developing successful black men who positively impact the world. He was also eager to attend a historically black college or university (HBCU), that would teach the significance of his own history and provide opportunities to create lifelong bonds with his peers.

Kasai is the third of five Thaddeus Stevens Scholarship recipients. To qualify, applicants must be a D.C. student interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time. Kasai was a stellar candidate; his high school accomplishments included joining the National Honor Society, serving on the DC Board of Education Student Advisory Committee, interning at the DC Chamber of Commerce, and leading his school’s varsity lacrosse team as a captain. Once awarded the Thaddeus Stevens Scholarship, Kasai became even more excited to form lifelong friendships at Morehouse College and to arm himself with the knowledge needed both to succeed and to give back to the community.

Working with real estate developers Akridge and COPT, Balti Virtual created an exhibit for the building, which sits next to the historic Thaddeus Stevens School.

Talk of augmented reality, and it often brings to mind a future where glasses or displays are adding digital elements to what we see. Yet as use cases emerge, the technology is also proving to be valuable for engaging with history.

The latter will be on view inside a new office building at 21st and L streets in downtown D.C. In the lobby of the building, Baltimore AR/VR studio Balti Virtual created an augmented reality exhibit to educate visitors on the site’s past as a home to one of the District’s first schools built solely with public funds to educate Black children.

In the lobby of the building, the exhibit features images including the Thaddeus Stevens School, as well as its namesake and notable alumni. Scanning the images with Balti Virtual’s AppAR8 app on a phone or iPad will bring them to life in a “magic window” with animation and speech from each figure. Along with Stevens, the figures on display include alums of the school such as Washington Post columnist Colbert King and the singer Roberta Flack, as well as prominent D.C. figures such as the surgeon and blood bank pioneer Dr. Charles Drew.

The exhibit, which is in place but will have a public opening when COVID-19 restrictions allow, is part of an effort to connect the legacy of the site. The historic Thaddeus Stevens School, which closed as a public in 2008 but is being renovated, still sits adjacent to the 10-story office building. With the land owned by the District, it’s always been a priority to have an exhibit for the public at the site, along with a scholarship and other public amenities such a pocket park.

“This piece in the lobby was to continue to tell that story of what Thaddeus Stevens was about,” said David Toney, VP of Development at Akridge, a real estate firm that is developing the property along with Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT). Stevens was an “abolitionist who fought for education for all people no matter their skin color,” said Toney.

Initially it was envisioned as more of a static story wall. But Akridge had worked with Balti Virtual previously, and the team decided AR could be a route to bring the historical figures to life. The District was on board.

“In hindsight it was a brilliant move,” said Dean Lopez, senior VP for development and construction with Columbia-based COPT.

Balti Virtual researched the content and developed artwork. As they progressed, Toney spoke with King and Charlene Drew Jarvis, a former D.C. councilmember and Southeastern University president who is the daughter of Dr. Drew.

“It was a very good collaborative effort to come up with the right language and narrative for the stories,” Toney said.

Being a “trophy” office building, the development team at Akridge and COPT also saw AR as helping with design of a high-end space.

“It’s nice that you can access that level of content when you want it, but then it sort of recedes” if you’re not looking through your phone, said Balti Virtual CEO Will Gee.

Reflecting the past, it’s an exhibit that’s created with an eye toward tomorrow. For Gee, who sees a future in 15 to 20 years when augmented reality is a more prevalent part of our every day experience, it’s also something that can grow in the future. Toney said the partners can add to the offerings with additional content or as technology evolves.

“We’re excited about the future possibilities of this content,” said Gee. “Right now it’s packaged up neatly and fits within the space.”

[Original Article]

The $10,000 scholarship honors the legacy of Thaddeus Stevens

(Washington, DC)— Akridge is proud to award Brayan Hernandez the Thaddeus Stevens School Scholarship for 2018. A recent graduate of Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, Hernandez plans to attend The Catholic University of America this fall. The $10,000 scholarship reflects Akridge’s commitment to the community and to the legacy of Thaddeus Stevens, who was a U.S. Congressman and a strong opponent to slavery.

Akridge, along with development team partners Corporate Office Properties Trust (NYSE: OFC) (“COPT”) and Argos Group, formed the scholarship in conjunction with the development of Stevens School and Stevens Place at 2100 L Street. Hernandez is the first recipient of the Thaddeus Stevens School Scholarship. Akridge offers the scholarship to students from the District of Columbia who are pursuing an undergraduate degree on a full-time basis. In order to qualify for the scholarship, applicants must provide proof of residency, as well as proof of college acceptance or enrollment. Applicants must have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.

The scholarship review committee, which included ANC 2A Commissioner Florence Harmon and West End Citizens Association President Sara Maddux, expressed delight in working on the first of five annual scholarships provided by Akridge.

“We received a great number of applications, underscoring the wonderful partnership between Akridge and the community to spread the word about the scholarship. The review committee took joy in seeing such high quality in the respondents’ applications and learning about these amazing young scholars from across the District, as they prepare to embark on their college careers”, said Victoria Murray Baatin, the scholarship’s administrator.

Akridge, COPT, and Argos Group worked closely with the District and the local community on the Stevens project to incorporate several design elements and community outreach worthy of Thaddeus Stevens’ legacy. The property will include a rotating art gallery of works from African American artists, as well as a statue outside the building and an office lobby exhibit commemorating Thaddeus Stevens. In addition to the scholarship, the developers will provide various community benefits including a program working with local schools to expose students to real estate development and construction.

Site at 2100 L Street to deliver a renovated school and a new trophy office building

(Washington, DC)— A number of corporate executives and District officials gathered at 2100 L Street , NW to celebrate the start of construction of Stevens School and Stevens Place. Akridge and the District of Columbia (DC) have collaborated for 19 years to establish a plan for the historic Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School and an adjacent parcel of land that was previously the school’s playground. As one of DC’s first public
schools built for the education of African American children, Stevens School has significant importance to the city’s history. The developer, a partnership of Akridge, Corporate Office Properties Trust (NYSE: OFC) (COPT), and Argos Group ,will renovate the school building, which upon completion, will reopen as a DC public school.

Designed by Gary F. Martinez, FAIA of Martinez & Johnson Architecture, the 190,000-square-foot office building will feature multiple facades of floor-to-ceiling glass and a sculptural embellishment designed by renowned artist Jan Hendrix. 2100 L Street boasts efficicent, 20,000-square-foot floorplates and a full host of amenities, including a landscaped rooftop terrace and rooftop lounge, penthouse conference center, fitness
center, art gallery with outdoor terraces, and more. 2100 L Street will deliver in early 2020. The global law firm, Morrison & Foerster LLP, has preleased 43 percent of the building.

The developer worked closely with the District to incorporate several design elements and community outreach that will benefit the surrounding neighborhood. 2100 L Street will honor the Stevens School namesake, Thaddeus Stevens, who was a U.S. Congressman and a strong opponent to slavery. The property will include a rotating art gallery of works from African American artists, as well as a statue outside the building and a feature wall commemorating Thaddeus Stevens. 2100 L Street will provide various community benefits including a college scholarship program for local DC students, as well as a program working with local schools to expose students to real estate development and construction.

“With this project, we’re delivering on our commitment to expand access to early child care,” said Mayor Bowser. “Together, we are giving new life to an important historic landmark, moving forward a long-stalled project, and creating a much-needed resource for our community.”

“Akridge is proud of its role in the Stevens School and 2100 L Street,” said Matt Klein, President of Akridge. “We are eager to strengthen our commitment to the community through both buildings and look forward to delivering a sophisticated and efficient building at 2100 L Street.”

COPT’s President & CEO, Stephen E. Budorick, stated, “We are honored to be an essential member of the team that restores the historic Stevens School to its former greatness, so it can serve the Washington, DC community once again.”

It’s been a decade-long saga — with deals done and deals nearly lost, political wrangling and neighborhood outrage — but the redevelopment of the Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School property on D.C.’s West End is, we can finally say, imminent.

Akridge and its partners, Corporate Office Properties Trust (NYSE: OFC) and Argos Group, are out for bid for a general contractor to construct the office portion of the two-pronged Thaddeus Stevens Place project near the corner of 21st and L streets NW. The second piece, the renovation of the 41,800-square-foot Stevens School building at 1050 21st St. NW for an expansion of the School Without Walls and an infant and toddler development center, awaits the approval of D.C.’s Department of General Services.

Matt Klein, Akridge president, said Wednesday that site work is underway and construction of the 10-story, 190,000-square-foot office building — to include 8,000 square feet of retail, 20,000-square-foot floor plates, two-story lobby and landscaped rooftop terrace — is expected to start in the spring. The office building, with an address of 2100 L St. NW, will take up the school parking lot and the lot on which the Humane Society of the United States’ headquarters once sat.

The GC search values the office project at nearly $50 million. Bidding ends Feb. 2.

Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School was built in 1868 as one of D.C.’s first publicly funded schools for African-American children — the children of freed slaves — and named for the abolitionist and former Pennsylvania congressman who helped to draft the 14th Amendment. The school was closed in 2008.

Moving on proved to be a three-administration challenge.

It was Mayor Adrian Fenty‘s administration that kicked off the process in 2009 with the selection of Chicago-based Equity Residential to redevelop the site as an apartment complex — a proposal that outraged the West End community. Fenty cut ties with Equity just before leaving office in 2010, and left the Stevens effort to Mayor Vincent Gray, who selected Akridge and Argos a couple of years later.

Five years of delays followed for a host of reasons — finalizing the complicated deal, locking up an educational partner, and so on. D.C. Council approval for the ground leases came in December 2014, just before Gray left office, leaving the last details to Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Most recently, the project was on hold in part because the school parking lot was home to a temporary fire station while Fire and EMS Engine No. 1 was under reconstruction. The new fire station, which sits below a 52-unit affordable apartment building and a squash facility, Squash on Fire, opened in May at 2225 M St. NW.

Law firm to move into over 80,000 square feet in new Akridge developement

(Washington, DC)— Akridge announced today that it, along with joint venture partner Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT) (NYSE: OFC), and Argos Group, has executed a lease with global law firm Morrison & Foerster LLP for 81,300 square feet at 2100 L Street. The trophy office building will be 190,000 square feet and is now 43 percent preleased. 2100 L Street will feature multiple façades of floor-to-ceiling glass and a beautifully designed, sculptural embellishment designed by renowned artist Jan Hendrix. Construction is slated to begin in the second quarter of 2018, with delivery in the first quarter of 2020. Morrison & Foerster will move into the trophy office building in January 2021.

Morrison & Foerster’s new home will feature an impressive list of building amenities, including a landscaped rooftop terrace and rooftop lounge, penthouse conference center, fitness center, art gallery with outdoor terraces, and more. 2100 L Street will boast 20,000-square-feet floorplates, which were designed to maximize efficiency. The project’s highly-desirable location provides easy access to a number of increasing neighborhood amenities and four bustling Metro lines (Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines).

“Akridge is honored to announce Morrison & Foerster as the lead Client at 2100 L Street,” said Akridge President Matt Klein. “Akridge, COPT, and Argos have worked hard to create a project with a sophisticated design, an efficient floor plate, and an excellent mix of building amenities. It is gratifying that a firm as prestigious as Morrison & Foerster has chosen 2100 L Street as its new home.”

Cushman and Wakefield’s Audrey Cramer and Malcolm Marshall represented Morrison & Foerster, while Ben Meisel, Wil Pace, Tim McCarty, and McKay Elliott of Akridge provided landlord representation for the property.

The Humane Society of the United States has sold its national headquarters to a three-headed team that will redevelop the West End site into a trophy-class office building and renovate an adjacent, historic D.C. school for educational use.

Akridge, partnering with Corporate Office Properties Trust and Argos, paid $11 million for the Humane Society building at 2100 L St. NW. The sale was recorded on Thursday.

“We will combine this parcel with the Stevens School project to deliver a striking, trophy-class, corner office building in the Central Business District,” Matt Klein, Akridge president, said in a statement.

The Humane Society will remain in the building for six months, at which point it will relocate to a yet undisclosed location, likely on the West End.

“The Humane Society sold the L Street building to take advantage of a unique opportunity stemming from its key position on the block and to put those funds to work to support the Society and its critical animal programs,” said Paul Graham, a senior vice president at Colliers International, the seller’s representative in the transaction.

The sale follows the December 2014 D.C. Council approval of a proposal— pitched by Akridge and Argos; COPT was a late addition — to renovate the historic Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School at 1050 21st St. NW, and use a D.C.-owned lot adjacent to Stevens, in addition to the Humane Society parcel, to construct a 10-story, 190,000-square-foot office building. The Ivymount school, which specializes in school- and community-based services for children and young adults with special needs, will be the lead tenant in the renovated Stevens.

The new office tower will include floor-to-ceiling glass, a landscaped roof terrace, a two-story lobby and 8,000 square feet of retail space. Work is expected to begin in 2016, with delivery in late 2018.

The Stevens School projects dates back to 2009, when then-Mayor Adrian Fenty chose Equity Residential Inc. to redevelop the Stevens lot into an apartment building and restaurant. Neighbors protested, and the Equity plan was nixed. Mayor Vincent Gray rebid the project in 2012, settling on Akridge and Argos over three competitors. Two and a half years passed before their proposal earned council support.

Thaddeus Stevens, from Pennsylvania, served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. He was a fierce opponent of slavery and helped draft the 14th Amendment that abolished it.

Renovating Stevens is expected to cost the development team $18 million. The project must include a statue commemorating Thaddeus Stevens, a wall celebrating the legacy of Thaddeus Stevens and the school, a rotating art gallery celebrating the work of African American artists, a $10,000 per year scholarship and $570,000 for an Ivymount operational fund.