Where modern architecture meets legacy design

655 New York Avenue spans a full city block and blends 19 historic buildings with a new 11-story sleek, modern glass office building. In order to preserve their rich history, the structures were moved across the site, carefully deconstructed and reconstructed in different positions, and supported with custom beams while work was completed under the buildings. All of the historic buildings underwent significant restoration and modernization, allowing them to be fully integrated into the new construction. You can now walk through new office spaces into the historic properties seamlessly. 

Two buildings were relocated to new foundations, including the largest structural relocation in Washington, D.C.’s history. Structural bracing and underpinning preserved the integrity of other historic buildings during excavation for a new 250,000-sq-ft underground garage, which involved removing underlying soil in five foot lifts. Continuous scanning using automated deformation monitoring equipment ensured that the project team could respond immediately if any structural movement took place. Structures were also stiffened through the addition of wood-framed shear walls, steel channels and steel cabling, making each building a rigid box. 

Completed on time and budget in 30 months, 655 New York is punctuated by a new 130-foot office and retail tower with a central atrium composed of 120,000 square feet of glass and multiple levels of hanging stairs.

Construction materials contained recycled content, with a certain percentage being locally sourced to reduce additional environmental impacts of transportation to the site. Energy efficient LED lighting and occupancy sensors were installed throughout the property, and water-saving plumbing fixtures are estimated to save over 1.8 million gallons of water annually. Further, there is an extensive green roof that acts both as stormwater mitigation and an urban habitat. 

Interior finishes were selected to maintain improved indoor air quality, and wellness features such as large glazing areas improves occupant exposure to natural light. 

655 New York benefits from being within a short walking distance to the popular neighborhood, Shaw, the restaurants and bars along Blagden Alley, and D.C.’s Chinatown. In addition, the Capitol is within 10 minutes’ drive. Located less than a block from the Green and Yellow Metro lines at Mount Vernon Square Metro station, the building is highly accessible for visitors and workers from across the DMV area, receiving a walk score of 98, transit score of 100 and bike score of 91. 

655 New York Avenue was LEED Gold certified in April 2019, and won The Urban Land Institute (ULI) Washington's 2019 Trend Award for excellence in office development.

The building features a number of exclusive tenant amenities including a two-level, light-filled fitness center, an east penthouse rooftop lounge, game room, and terrace, a west penthouse rooftop conference center and terrace, three bike rooms with lockers and showers, and unique, custom-commissioned public art in all lobbies. 

655 New York is part of Activated, Brookfield Properties’ groundbreaking tenant engagement platform. The full-service program caters to every aspect of professional life, optimizing work-life balance and maximizing productivity. Through the program, tenants enjoy free access to amenities at locations across Brookfield Properties’ Washington, D.C. area portfolio, including fitness facilities, landscaped rooftops, lounges, and collaborative spaces. The program also curates exclusive events at buildings for tenants, including yoga classes, happy hours, museum tours, and more. 

Incorporating the hospitality trend into the office, there are many exclusive tenant amenities, in addition to 80,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. In keeping with Brookfield’s placemaking philosophy, food and retail tenants include coffee shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and local establishments to create a lively and energetic streetscape.