Monday, March 10, 2025
On February 26, Bisnow hosted an “Office Repositioning Summit” on reimagining D.C.’s federal offices.
Shalom Baranes, founding Principal of Shalom Baranes Associates, focused his keynote on reimagining D.C.’s federal offices. He recommended a five-year plan, north of the National Mall, focused on pre-war federal buildings that have not changed much in the past 100 years. These Brutalist style buildings are in great shape and prime to renovate. Activating street level spaces with restaurants and hospitality places would do a lot to bring people to the area between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues NW, stitching sections of the city together.
Highlights of the panel “Designing, Building and Preserving Conversion Projects: Maximizing Value and Efficiency” included Crystal City, where there are two buildings to renovate as a hotel and multi-family housing. The buildings are close to Reagan National Airport on Crystal Drive where a walkway can connect them to the airport.
Other points made include office conversions that have options other than residential. Offices can be converted into storage space, medical facilities, fitness clubs, schools, data centers and student housing.
At the “Capitalizing on the Region’s Office Repositioning Trends” panel, certainty was a key word for investors.
In the District, tax abatements are an asset, while commercial taxes that must continue to be paid while buildings are in transition to become residential is a liability.
Rob Seldin of Madison Highland Live Work Lofts, revealed that federal workers (where allowed) have been able to work remotely since 2010. He’s been doing office to residential conversions at Skyline Drive Towers in Bailey’s Crossroads.