Construction Nearing Completion for Douglas Development’s Hidden Gem in Chinatown

The first time I saw construction occurring behind the historic former Equitable Bank Building (commonly remembered as Fifth Column and later Platinum nightclub) I thought to myself it’s about time the old building got a face-lift. Then a month later when I walked by again and noticed floors were actually rising from behind the bank and an entirely new structure was being built in the ALLEY, I thought I was seeing things. It wasn’t until I entered the alley to investigate that I saw a Douglas Development sign and it all made sense. Only they would have the guts to pull something like this off.

915 F Street, located in what will soon be officially named McGill Alley after James McGill, the famous architect that designed several DC buildings in the late 1800’s, is a bold 7-story boutique building accessible off 9th Street beside Ella’s Pizza.

I toured through the building this week and was pleasantly surprised with just how much natural light washes through the space despite appearing to be tucked away far off the street. Each floor is rich with character, which continues to grow as you ascend the building.

The floor plates are approximately 1,500 SF with floor-to-ceiling glass windows facing the alley. Floors 2-4 have exposed brick of the original bank and windows peering into the bank’s skylight atrium, and floors 5-7 have private terraces with incredible views overlooking F Street.

Douglas plans to build each floor spec by September with sealed concrete flooring, wood plank portals and metal clad beams, exposed ceiling, restrooms and kitchens. Flexibility, funkiness and location are the three selling points here.  Tenants can move in quickly and commit to flexible lease terms that accommodate their future business needs. There is no parking, but the location doesn’t get much better being nestled between Chinatown and Metro Center. The rents will be around $7-8,000/month depending on floor, timing and lease term.

As for the former bank itself, the building has been undergoing renovations and is rumored to be in final negotiations with an unnamed restaurant.

If you are interested in this building, or others like it please click here to contact us.