Standard Real Estate Investments Secures Demolition License, Begin Construction Phase on $290 Million Mixed Use Development Project

Standard Real Estate Investments LP (Standard) announced that it had begun construction on its newly purchased property next to the Congress Heights Metro Station. The demolition of existing buildings in Ward 8 Washington D.C. will begin on June 19, 2023.

Jerome Nichols is the president of Standard. “We feel incredibly honored to usher a new era in the Congress Heights community. The demolition of existing buildings will be the first step to bringing economic activity, amenities, and jobs.” It’s been a long and complex process. Our partnership with Trammell-Crow Company will create a new standard for development in Washington, D.C. as we unlock the full potential of this site.

Standard has partnered up with Trammell Company (TCC), a global firm in real estate development, to lease and develop commercial office and retail spaces of up to 244,000 SF. The MedStar Health Performance Center, home to Washington Wizards, Mystics and Go-Gos’ training facility, is located on the one-acre site of 1331 Alabama Ave SE. It is also close to the southern pedestrian entry to Congress Heights Metro Station.

Tom Finan said, “We’re excited to begin the development of this transformational project. It is already generating interest among a variety commercial users, which will foster a sense community and drive job creation.” The successful development of a new Department of General Services Headquarters a few minutes north in Ward 7 sparked interest from office and retail users. This will attract additional economic support to the entire community. Standard’s tireless efforts will create a new economic engine in Ward 8 and further our multi-year commitment of investing in diverse communities.

TCC’s vast experience with transit-oriented developments and built-to-suit offices for public and private users will ensure Standard’s Congress Heights will be a powerful economic driver in Ward 8 because of its extensive knowledge in both. The project is also a key milestone for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (“Metro”) in its ongoing efforts to promote transit-oriented development. Standard bought a portion from Metro of the seven property site assembly in 2021.

Liz Price, Metro’s Vice President for Real Estate and Development said that the project would enhance transit accessibility in and around Congress Heights. The start of construction is symbolic of Metro’s commitment to improving the economic landscape and advancing equity across its footprint by activating real estate holdings and increasing Metro ridership.

Nichols continued, “The demolition is the next stage in providing a pathway forward for this long-contested site that has been at the center of broader redevelopment efforts in recent years.” The team that we’re working with has extensive experience in transformational urban development. This will attract a wide range of commercial users to Congress Heights.

The team will begin demolition in 2026 and then finalize the design, leasing campaign and the lease for the retail and office components.