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National Real Estate Advisors

National Real Estate Advisors and The Executive Office of the Mayor Celebrate Grand Opening of Aviator House in Dupont Circle

First Project Advanced Through D.C.’s Housing in Downtown Initiative Transforms Former Air Line Pilots Association Headquarters into 157 New Residences

Washington, D.C.  — Today, National Real Estate Advisors (National), alongside Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Nina Albert and project partners, celebrated the grand opening of Aviator House, a former office building transformed into 157 residences, including 16 affordable units, in Washington, D.C.’s Dupont Circle neighborhood. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the formal unveiling of the first project advanced through and opened under the District’s Housing in Downtown (HID) initiative, transforming the former Air Line Pilots Association headquarters at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue NW into both market-rate and affordable homes.

As a flagship example of HID, Aviator House demonstrates how adaptive reuse can create new housing and bring residential activity to downtown Washington. Led by DMPED, the initiative encourages the conversion of underused downtown office buildings into residential properties.

“For more than 25 years, National has invested on behalf of our investors to create long-term value, and Aviator House is a testament to that conviction,” said Kevin Verdi, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, National Real Estate Advisors. “We are grateful to the many partners who helped bring this vision to life. As the first project delivered through Washington, D.C.’s Housing in Downtown initiative, Aviator House demonstrates how adaptive reuse can support investor value creation while contributing to a more vibrant downtown.”

“The Housing in Downtown initiative is helping the District unlock opportunities to bring more residents and activity to downtown Washington by converting underused office space into housing,” said Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. “Aviator House opening marks an important milestone for the program and demonstrates how through collaboration between the public and private sectors, we can meet our goal to bring 15,000 new residents downtown by 2028.”

Housing in Downtown is enabling the District’s larger goal of catalyzing new residential development through commercial-to-residential conversion via a 20-year tax abatement. Seventeen more HID projects are in various stages in the development pipeline.

A 1970s MODERNIST OFFICE REIMAGINED FOR RESIDENTIAL LIVING

Originally constructed in 1972 and designed by modernist architect Vlastimil Koubek as the headquarters of the Air Line Pilots Association, the building was most recently used by Johns Hopkins for classroom and office space. The redevelopment retains its eight-story structure and modernist character while introducing a bi-level penthouse and contemporary spaces for living, working and gathering.

Designed by Eric Colbert & Associates, with interiors by Gaëtane & Co. Design and facade input from DXA Studio, Aviator House draws inspiration from the optimism and adventure of the golden age of aviation. Retro-futuristic colors, graphic patterns, geometric forms and sculptural lighting carry that influence throughout the interiors, while more playful details extend the aviation narrative: a corridor leading from the lobby evokes the aisle of an aircraft, and the elevator cabins feature cockpit-inspired controls etched into their metal walls.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND DOWNTOWN HOUSING

By reusing the existing structure, the project reduces the embodied carbon associated with new construction. Aviator House also incorporates all-electric, energy-efficient building systems, green roofs and stormwater-management features and is targeting LEED Gold certification.

RESIDENCES AND AMENITIES DESIGNED FOR MODERN D.C. LIVING

Aviator House offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, including a mix of market-rate and affordable residences, with Bozzuto serving as the community’s leasing and property management partner. The bold design language continues inside residences, where 1970s-inspired forms and colors are reinterpreted through warm materials, distinctive lighting and fixtures, and four kitchen and bathroom color palettes — Jonquil, Mint, Blue Sky and Earth. Select bedrooms feature round windows that further nod to the building’s aviation heritage and, when illuminated at night, give the exterior an aircraft-like quality.

Residents also have access to approximately 8,000 square feet of amenities, including coworking spaces with individual and shared offices, a fitness center, pet spa and dog run, bicycle garage and a bi-level rooftop lounge featuring indoor gathering spaces, outdoor terraces, grill and dining areas and expansive views across the District.

Located at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue NW in Dupont Circle, Aviator House places residents near transit, employment centers, dining, shopping and neighborhood amenities.

For more information about Aviator House, visit www.aviatorhousedc.com.