NAIOP DC l MD honored Akridge with multiple awards at its annual Awards of Excellence event. Akridge projects 1701 Rhode Island and 1101 Sixteenth Street, and Akridge Chief Operating Officer Sarah Knutson, combined to win awards ranging Best of the Best – Transaction to Best Amenity Space and Member of the Year. The awards recognize Akridge's commitment to the community and to building iconic properties of the highest quality.
1701 Rhode Island won three awards: Award of Excellence, Best Real Estate Transaction – Sale or ReCapitalization over $25 million; Award of Excellence, Best Washington, DC Urban Office up to 150,000 Square Feet; and Best of the Best – Transaction. These awards are a testament to the building's creative redevelopment deal and its striking design. Akridge partnered with Alcion Ventures, L.P., to purchase the former YMCA and redevelop it into a trophy office building. Akridge leased the entire building and within two months of delivery, sold the property to an entity affiliated with EXAN Capital. Hickok Cole Architects designed the building and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company was the general contractor.
David Kitchens of Cooper Carry, who presented the Best Urban Office award, noted that, "The judges stated that the building's distinct copper frame and large floor-to-ceiling glass openings is a welcoming relief from most other all glass building renovations."
1101 Sixteenth Street won two awards, the Award of Merit, Best Washington, DC Urban Office up to 150,000 Square Feet and the Award of Excellence, Best Amenity Space. These awards recognize the transformation of two brutalist buildings into one, beautifully proportioned, trophy office building with a stunning lobby. The lobby features a three-dimensional, floor-to-ceiling sculptural wall, connects multiple levels, and creates a mirrored, indoor-outdoor experience. Akridge and Stars REI partnered to develop 1101 Sixteenth Street, which was designed by HOK and built by Clark Construction Group.
When awarding the project, Kitchens praised its "exceptional attention to detail and expressive use of materials (through which) the designers created a truly unique urban experience."
NAIOP DC l MD also recognized Sarah Knuston for her incredible contributions to the organization over the past year. In addition to her demanding role leading all of Akridge's internal company functions, Sarah chaired NAIOP DC l MD's new special events committee. She applied her innovative thinking to develop programs that helped differentiate the chapter and support its mission of providing unparalleled industry networking, leading educational programs, industry trends, and cutting-edge research.
"Akridge is incredibly honored by these awards," said Matt Klein, Akridge's President and CEO. "We delivered two office buildings this year, both of which were under 150,000 square feet, and they won the Award of Excellence and Award of Merit. They are a testament to both our team and to our project partners. We are committed to delivering buildings that provide lasting value for our clients and our communities and these projects did just that."
About Akridge
Akridge is a comprehensive real estate services company that has invested in the Washington Metropolitan area for over four decades. It provides acquisitions, design and construction management, development, finance and asset management, leasing, and property management services. For over 45 years, the company has acquired, developed, or entitled more than 20.6 million square feet of office, industrial flex, residential, retail, and entertainment space. Akridge has another 10 million square feet in its active pipeline, currently manages approximately 3.3 million square feet, and has a portfolio with an estimated value of over $2.1 billion. Notable projects include the 1-million-square-foot Gallery Place, the internationally recognized Homer Building, and the 3-million-square-foot Burnham Place air rights development project at Union Station. For more information please visit www.akridge.com.
