The Meridian Group announced today that luxury full-service health club Equinox will open a major new location at Anthem Row in Washington’s East End, directly across from the future global flagship location of Apple at the historic Carnegie Library.
Equinox, which operates 84 upscale, full-service clubs globally, will lease 33,817 square feet of a building undergoing a complete transformation at 800 K Street. The property is part of a four-building complex called Anthem Row, formerly known as Techworld Plaza.
“This property will set a new standard for DC office buildings with its trophy class workspace, prime retail opportunities and unparalleled amenities, all under one roof,” said Tom Boylan, Vice President of The Meridian Group, which owns the property. “We are proud to welcome Equinox to Anthem Row, and we are thrilled that tenants will get to experience this world-class fitness center.”
Equinox has pre-leased parts of the lower level, ground, and second floors.
“D.C.’s recent growth and urban revitalization has led to increased demand for brands such as Equinox that enhance sophisticated and high performance lifestyles,” said John Mears, Senior Director of Acquisitions for Equinox. “Anthem Row will be the type of dynamic mixed-use environment in which Equinox thrives, sitting within close proximity to vibrant residential neighborhoods and DC’s top Class A office market. The location is an ideal complement to our existing club in the West End and rounds out Equinox’s portfolio within the District.”
The Meridian Group, a real estate investment and development firm based in Bethesda, Md., is planning an extensive renovation of the Class B building to completely reimagine the property. The project will dramatically transform the 12-story building into a trophy development with a dynamic retail program. Streetsense brokers Jared Meier and Andrew Poncher are representing Meridian on the project’s retail leasing.
The current building has a large floor plate with two cores and one main lobby accessible from the 8th Street plaza. Upon completion, the property will function as two buildings with separate identities and main lobbies. The buildings will also have separate addresses – 700 K Street and 800 K Street.
“We are drastically enhancing this building from the inside out,” Boylan said. “This project will combine trophy office quality, creative architecture, unique indoor and outdoor amenities and a robust retail platform to become one of the most exceptional commercial offerings in Washington, DC.”
The building at 700 K will provide 247,653 square feet of trophy office space --with typical floors ranging from 22,200 to 28,600 square feet. The building at 800 K will provide 112,879 square feet of boutique Class A space -- with typical floors ranging from 11,000 to 13,600 square feet.
Underlying it all will be three levels of retail space totaling 113,870 square feet. Equinox will span both buildings with its front door on the revitalized 8th Street pedestrian promenade, making way to three levels of premier fitness space.
The new two-story lobby along K Street will feature structural glass walls that will accentuate the connection to Mount Vernon Square and provide an indoor-outdoor experience. The exterior will be outfitted with modern industrial materials such as Norman brick and metal panel. The lobby interior will feature stone, wood, concrete and steel.
Flanking the new 700 K Street lobby on both sides will be new, expansive retail space on the corners of 7th Street, 8th Street and extending down the pedestrian promenade, or “Anthem Row.” This renewed pedestrian thoroughfare along 8th Street will be appointed with new planters, pavers, benches, street lights and outdoor seating areas for retailers.
The new 700 K Street will be an authentic and refined building with a rich pallet of materials. Sleek, dark gray metal will weave throughout the building to provide a crisp, clean aesthetic. The boutique trophy upper office floors, starting on level 9, are set back at the north façade. That will allow for a 6,000-square-foot terrace with awe-inspiring views of the city.
Floors 10 through 12 will be clad in a full glass curtain wall to further enhance views of the surrounding city. JLL’s Evan Behr and Doug Mueller represent Meridian on 700 K’s office leasing.
“We’ve been patient and strategic in our marketing of 700 K and Anthem Row,” said Behr, Managing Director of JLL. “The recent Apple announcement coupled with Equinox’s commitment to 700 K are the stamp of approval that this is the absolute hottest location in the city.”
The property is ideally situated in the core of Washington, DC’s East End, one of the most dynamic and desirable submarkets in the world. The East End is home to a diverse mix of government agencies, government contractors, law firms, government affairs offices, technology firms, media companies, associations, and financial firms.
Over the past 20 years, the East End has become the most vibrant mixed-use 24/7 neighborhood in the District. Soon to be the new home of Equinox, the East End is anchored by the Verizon Center and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and features signature restaurants and shopping, hotels, high-end residential communities and the largest and most stable supply of office space in Washington.
“Office tenant demand is already heating up now that the commitments of Equinox and Apple have proven the area’s retail place-making ability,” said Mueller, Managing Director of JLL. “700 K is the best redevelopment project in the city.”
ABOUT EQUINOX
Equinox operates 84 upscale, full-service clubs in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Houston and Washington, DC, as well as international locations in London and Toronto. The company offers an integrated selection of Equinox-branded programs, services and products, including strength and cardio training, studio classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel and food/juice bars. Equinox’s hotel properties will cater exclusively to the high performance traveler to serve as the ultimate hotel destination with a 360-degree lifestyle experience. In its 25-year history, Equinox has consistently offered bespoke experiences and unparalleled services to consumers, developing a lifestyle brand that represents service, value, quality, expertise, innovation, attention to detail, market leadership and results. IT’S NOT FITNESS. IT’S LIFE.
ABOUT THE MERIDIAN GROUP
The Meridian Group is a real estate investment and development firm based in Bethesda, Md. Since its inception in 1993, Meridian has acquired and developed more than 13 million square feet of office, residential, hotel, mixed-use, and land with a focus on the metropolitan Washington, DC market. To learn more, visit Meridian’s website at www.tmgdc.com.
