Capitol Crossing

Capitol Crossing is a $1.3 billion real estate development—often also referred to as a community revitalization project¹—built from 2014 to 2021 in downtown Washington, D.C.

The project stems from the 1960s construction of I-395, which divided the neighborhoods of Capitol Hill and the East End. Beginning in the 1980s, developers proposed various projects based on a freeway lid that would reconnect the communities. These efforts were dubbed "the I-395 air rights project". In 2012, the Property Group Partners development company acquired the air rights and the Federal Highway Administration approved the environmental assessment with a finding of no significant impact.²

One of the city's largest private developments,³ the 2.2-million-square-foot project covers a 7-acre site above I-395.⁴ Three long blocks over the highway are spanned by five mixed-use buildings: 200 Massachusetts, 250 Massachusetts, 200 F Street, 600 Second, and 201 F Street.⁵ The project has space for 75,000 square feet of retail, restaurants, and cafes; it also has a 4-level garage with 1,146 parking spaces and 440 bicycle parking spaces.⁶

Developers said Capitol Crossing would create 8,000 permanent jobs, contribute more than $40 million a year to city revenue,⁵ and create the city's first “eco-district”.¹ The five buildings are expected to be certified LEED Platinum. 200 Massachusetts received the designation in 2018.⁷ The project is to feature cogeneration power, rainwater catchment, and eco-chimney filtration.⁸

A $200 million freeway lid over I-395 next to Massachusetts Avenue will reconnect the long-divided neighborhoods of Capitol Hill and the East End.⁹ City officials said it would increase the vibrancy of the city's east-downtown neighborhoods.¹⁰

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development said the project would provide 150 residential units, including more than 50 affordable to most of the median income.¹

The project is owned and developed by Property Group Partners, with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill serving as master planners. The team also includes Roche-Dinkeloo as architect for the North Block (200/250 Massachusetts Ave) and Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates as architect for the South Block. Property Group Partners is the leasing agent.