The Stacks Awarded NAIOP “Best of the Best – Building” and “Best Mixed-use Project” at Annual Awards Gala
Akridge and National Real Estate Development Recognized for Transformative Waterfront Vision and Place-Making Excellence in Southwest D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday evening, The Stacks, a dynamic mixed-use community in Buzzard Point, was awarded the Award of Excellence – Best Mixed-Use Project and Best of the Best – Building at the 2025 NAIOP DC|MD Awards of Excellence, celebrating standout real estate achievements across the region.
Developed by Akridge and National Real Estate Development, The Stacks is a 2-million-square-foot, master-planned waterfront neighborhood that brings together residential, retail, coworking, public spaces and neighborhood infrastructure across a 7-acre formerly industrial site in Southwest D.C. Phase I, completed earlier this year, includes over 1 million square feet of development and sets the tone for the broader vision: a pedestrian-first, architecturally diverse neighborhood that links D.C.’s waterfront – connecting The Wharf and The Yards.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see The Stacks recognized by NAIOP for what it represents: a bold, long-term investment in Buzzard Point’s future,” said Kristin Connall, vice president of development at Akridge. “Our team designed every element of this project to stand the test of time, from its striking architecture and expansive gathering spaces that foster a sense of community, to its extensive amenities that meet discerning residents’ needs. We’re proud to have helped shape a neighborhood that will define Southwest D.C. for generations.”
“The Stacks is a testament to what can happen when vision and collaboration come together,” said Katie Hartley, managing director of National Real Estate Development. “Our goal was to create a place that feels authentically D.C., with a vibrant mix of culture, creativity and community along the waterfront. To see that vision brought to life and celebrated by our peers is incredibly meaningful for our entire team.”
Anchored by a car-free central promenade known as the Corso, The Stacks features three distinctive residential towers—The Byron, Everly, and Colette—offering 1,116 apartments, including affordable housing options and D.C.’s largest co-living community. The development also includes 40,000 square feet of retail and 11,000 square feet of coworking space.
The retail mix is tailored to neighborhood needs, with current tenants including the recently announced Café Unido, an acclaimed Panamanian specialty coffee shop, as well as Launch Workplaces, FLEX Gym, and Bob’s Market—a small-format grocer serving The Stacks residents. Beyond retail, The Stacks offers more than 22,000 square feet of activated public space, including V Street Park and a central plaza designed for both seasonal events and everyday gatherings.
The project’s complexity and ambition extended well beyond the buildings themselves. Located adjacent to major sports and entertainment destinations, The Stacks required deep coordination with city agencies and infrastructure partners. The team also voluntarily led the undergrounding of 3,000 linear feet of public utilities and secured entitlements through D.C.’s Large Tract Review and negotiated a development agreement with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) that brought additional affordable housing inventory to the project.
The Stacks secured one of the largest construction and Opportunity Zone equity financings in Washington, D.C. history, making headlines in 2022 with a record-setting capital raise that positioned the project to move forward despite the strongest market headwinds since the 2008 recession. The development is LEED Gold certified and features rooftop solar, extensive stormwater infrastructure, and native landscaping throughout its open spaces.
Once complete, The Stacks will comprise more than 2 million square feet of development. The next phase will expand on the Phase I foundation with additional residential and mixed-use components, reinforcing The Stacks’ position as the cultural and geographic heart of Buzzard Point.
The Stacks is made possible by master developers Akridge and National Real Estate Development, along with an esteemed group of architects, including Handel Architects, Gensler, Morris Adjmi Architects and Eric Colbert & Associates. Capital partners include Akridge, Bridge Investment Group, Blue Coast Capital, National Real Estate Advisors, LLC, and construction lender Bank OZK. West 8, Urban Matters, Lee and Associates Inc., Margie Ruddick Landscape, Oehme van Sweden and ParkerRodriguez are the landscape architects. Clark Construction is the general contractor, and Greystar and Akridge are the property managers. For more information about The Stacks, please visit thestacks.com.
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ABOUT THE STACKS
The Stacks is a nearly 7-acre transformative waterfront neighborhood project in Buzzard Point, designed to enhance the vibrant community along the Southwest Waterfront. Inspired by some of the District’s most iconic neighborhoods, The Stacks’ first phase will feature 1 million square feet of mixed-use space, including apartments, retail, coworking space and 22,000 square feet of open space for community use. This lively, walkable destination fosters a sense of community with abundant outdoor spaces that support public events, outdoor eateries, and serene areas for relaxation. By seamlessly blending nature with urban living, The Stacks creates a cohesive link for residents and visitors, enriching the overall experience of Washington, D.C.’s waterfront. To learn more about The Stacks, please visit www.thestacks.com.
ABOUT AKRIDGE
Akridge serves every aspect of the real estate business through high-quality investment, development, and operations. Guided by a leadership team with decades of industry experience, Akridge real estate professionals apply an owner’s perspective in order to build long-term value and success. They provide design and construction management, development, finance and asset management, investment, leasing, and property management services. With offices in Washington, D.C. and Charlotte, NC, Akridge continues to anticipate the needs of the industry and its clients by delivering exceptional real estate experiences. For more information on Akridge, please visit www.akridge.com.
ABOUT NATIONAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
National Real Estate Development, LLC (“National Development”) is the independently operated development subsidiary of National Real Estate Advisors, LLC. As a full-service firm, National Development has the expertise to manage and execute development projects and provides the technical expertise on construction and development matters that National needs to meet its fiduciary responsibilities to clients. From market research to delivering the final project, the National Development team deploys a diverse skill set and extensive expertise, which ensures the highest standards in meeting client objectives. The team develops across all major real estate asset classes, including mixed-use, apartments, traditional and medical office, hotels, and retail. Since its inception in 2013, National Development’s direct development projects that are completed or under construction have totaled nearly 6.3 million square feet in major markets such as Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and San Francisco. To learn more, visit www.natrealestatedevelopment.com.