Carmel Partners has begun preleasing for Annex on 12th, an adaptive-reuse 562-unit residential building at the site of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s former Cotton Annex Building in Washington, D.C. The Annex on 12th blends D.C.’s historic character with contemporary style with a striking double-height lobby, art deco design, and preserved historical elements.
The Cotton Annex Building, constructed in 1936, was used for the classification and standardization of cotton and tobacco until 2007. Following years of vacancy, Carmel Partners preserved the building’s history through an adaptive reuse of the structure and added a 13-story tower with modern and unique amenities, including a resident speakeasy.
“Our incredible team has successfully transformed a vacant government office into modern apartments, a stunning example of adaptive reuse that’s now the closest residential building to the National Mall,” says Dan Garibaldi, managing partner and head of development and construction at Carmel Partners. “Annex on 12th celebrates the building’s rich history with exceptional amenities and bold, imaginative interior design, topped off by breathtaking views of the Washington Monument.”
The residences range from studios to three-bedroom apartments and penthouse floor plans all with in-unit washers and dryers, keyless entry, backlit vanities, and smart thermostats. Select floor plans feature large historic windows with original 1930s hardware, custom modular closets, built-in shelving, gas ranges, high ceilings, wine fridges, and terraces.
According to Carmel Partners, the building’s original doughnut-shaped design was never finished because only the first phase was completed due to the interruption of World War II. Annex on 12th’s new construction fulfills the intended courtyard plan by adding the 13-story tower to the existing nine-story structure. Designed by Design Collective with interiors by interior designer Champalimaud, the building welcomes residents into a grand lobby including a custom backlit glass ceiling.
Spanning 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, amenities include an open-air landscaped courtyard with lounge seating, fireplaces, and grill stations; an outdoor garden lounge; a rooftop infinity pool with loungers and sunbeds; and a lounge with a wine fridge, warming drawer, sinks, a dishwasher, and TVs.
Interior amenities include The Vault speakeasy with an angled skylight preserved from the original structure, a bar, a library, and a billiards table; a first-floor parlor with a sky bridge; a 4,000-square-foot fitness center; a dedicated co-working lounge with complimentary coffee and communal, semi-private, and conference room areas; a private dining room; and a media lounge with an indoor prep kitchen.
Additionally, there is bicycle storage and a repair room; a pet spa with grooming stations; on-site garage parking with electric vehicle charging stations; 24/7 concierge services; and a secure mail room with package lockers, refrigerated storage, and an oversized package room.
