Award of Merit
Best Master Plan/Mixed Use Project

Project Team

City Partners - (Developer)
555 E Street SW LLC - (Owner)
FXCollaborative Architects - (Architect)
Donohoe Construction Company - (General Contractor)

Project Description

Development
The last 20 years have seen a transformation in Southwest DC, and 555 E Street is an important part of the revitalization of the area. 555 is Southwest’s first residential development to be built north of Interstate 395 since the 1950s. In order to make this complex vision a reality, the project required a package of capital and financing structure which was the first of its kind. Through a combination of taxable and tax exempt bonds, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, a Housing Preservation Fund Award, and a contribution of land value from the DC government, the development team was able to finance the construction of the entire residential portion of the project without relying on outside capital.

Design
Certified LEED Gold, 555 E Street SW was designed and built to meet rigorous environmental standards and to take advantage of the site’s views and proximity to the National Mall. The building extends a full block and features a U-shaped floorplate above its ground floor, with residential and hotel uses and shared amenities. 555 offers apartments ranging 600 square feet to 1,200 square feet in a variety of layouts to meet residents’ needs and budgets. The apartments feature open floor plans and vented, floor-to-ceiling windows that allow abundant natural light and fresh air to sweep through each living space.

Construction
During construction of 555, regular schedule updates were paramount for the project teams so that all portions of the project could stay on track and move forward. Due to the complexities of three different projects all moving forward concurrently in one building, the construction team worked on resequencing activities to mitigate any delays that came up. When the COVID-19 Pandemic began, the 555 E Street team swiftly implemented increased safety and cleaning protocols and followed all CDC guidelines. Although COVID-19 did cause delays, the main focus was the safety of the workers during a global pandemic. 555 E Street was awarded substantial completion in September 2020 and hit final completion one month later.

Hospitality
The hotel component of 555 E Street spans 12 floors with 252 guestrooms, seven meeting rooms, and a rooftop bar with an expansive exterior terrace. The rooms have everything guests need, including a XL king-size bed with the softest linen, powerful rain shower, fast and free Wi-Fi, ambience-controlling MoodPad and free movies. Each room is designed to perfectly accomodate two adult customers with just one type of room, simplifying the travel process and leaving more time to explore the DC area.

Income Inclusion and Senior Living
555 E Street is a luxurious 194-unit apartment building that blends market rate units with deeply affordable senior units. As a testament to the importance of diversity, 58 units are reserved as affordable housing for local senior citizens aged 62 and up. At a time when the world is celebrating inclusivity, diversity, and the universality of human experience, 555 is designed to put those values into action every day.

Amenities
The 555 community is designed for a diverse population ranging from young professionals to older adults. Living in a multi-generational environment, the amenity spaces are shared by all residents, creating a unique sense of connection among residents. Amenities include a concierge, an on-site yoga studio and fitness center, conference rooms and coworking spaces, and a resort-style sundeck with a luxurious rooftop pool and several grilling stations. There is also a 108-space parking garage with electric vehicle charging and bike storage.