The law firm Kelley, Drye & Warren provided a jolt to a sluggish office market in 2023 when it announced it would be leaving Washington, D.C.'s tony Georgetown neighborhood along the Potomac for new digs downriver.
The firm's planned move to The Wharf on the southwest waterfront, taking up 65,000 square feet across the entire fifth and sixth floors and half of the seventh in a gleaming new 11-story office tower, further solidified the area's status as one of the District's "it" places at a time when office workers crave live-work-play surroundings — earning the deal a CoStar Impact Award, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
Kelley, Drye & Warren plans to move into 670 Maine Avenue SW next year. The LEED Gold certified property is part of a two-tower complex totaling more than 500,000 square feet that is now nearly fully leased.
One of the complex's biggest attractions is its river views and its proximity to more than 85 restaurants and shops. Just on-site, in 30,000 square feet of ground-level retail space, are the likes of locally-based Lucky Buns, chef Gordon Ramsay’s concept, Fish & Chips, Kilwin's, Milk & Honey Cafe, Makers Union, Mason's Lobster Rolls, Georgetown Optical and, coming soon, Kinfolk Southern Kitchen.
About the Property: 670 Maine Avenue and its companion tower at 680 Maine Avenue are equipped with touch-free doors at lobby entrances and enhanced air filtration in elevators, as well as UV filtration on the building's mechanical equipment. Shared amenity spaces include a 7,000-square-foot fitness center, a private studio and terrace, a 13,000-square-foot penthouse-level meeting and event space.
What the Judges Said: "This tenant's commitment and relocation from their long-time home in Georgetown to the recently developed Wharf project further demonstrates the need for premium office space in the D.C. market. This is a significant win for the D.C. office market and continues to reflect the strength and viability of DC as part of a vibrant work/live/play area," wrote Bill Stevens, regional vice president for The RMR Group, an alternative asset management company.
They Made It Happen: Hoffman & Associates developed the property along with co-developer Madison Marquette. District Wharf Properties is the property manager. CBRE represented the landlord and Cushman & Wakefield represented Kelly Drye & Warren.
Senior market manager Nina Thilert contributed.