Courtesy Moya Design Partners

Developed through a partnership of the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), MRP Realty (MRP), CSG Urban Partners, and Taylor Adams Associates, The Iris, a 430-unit mixed-income multifamily building with 86 affordable homes, is now open at the site of the former DCHA headquarters.

“The Iris strengthens the DC Housing Authority’s residential options to our residents by offering homes that are thoughtfully designed, modern and, most importantly, affordable in a central location,” says DCHA executive director Keith Pettigrew. “This phase is the first step in the substantial growth of affordable housing options in the NoMa neighborhood.”

The 13-story LEED Gold building is the first completed property of the three-phase redevelopment and reuse of the underutilized site. Floors one through seven are now available, and floors eight through 13 are set to open at the end of August. Greystar is providing leasing and management for the property.

“MRP has been active in the NoMa market for almost two decades, and we have developed this property in keeping with the strong relationships and understanding of NoMa resident preferences we have come to know over the years,” says MRP Realty founding partner Bob Murphy. “It’s the perfect opportunity to create a mixed-income community that provides both affordable and market-rate housing in the same extraordinary building.”

Courtesy Hickok Cole

With interior design emphasis on nature and an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, The Iris offers views of the Capitol and Washington Monument from the rooftop with a pool, cabanas, and a dog park. Featuring 9-foot ceilings, floor plans range from studios to three-bedroom residences.

Units include spa-inspired bathrooms with walnut vanities, black fixtures, and tiled showers with glass doors; closets with custom shelving; kitchens with upgraded stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops with custom cabinetry, subway tile backsplashes, and pendant lighting over kitchen islands; in-unit stacked full-size washers and dryers; wide-plank wood-like flooring throughout; and smart keyless entry system.

Community amenities highlight a double-height lobby with concierge; an open space co-working area with private work pods; a fitness center and yoga studio; a sports bar; a private dining room with stainless steel appliances for cooking and catering; an outdoor kitchen with grilling stations; a reading library; courtyard rooftop lounges; a multi-station dog-grooming facility; and a mail and package center.

Additionally, there are two levels of below-grade garage parking, including EV charging stations, as well as bike storage and resident storage units.

“The demand for this elevated lifestyle continues to grow in NoMa, and we have been pleased with the immediate positive reaction,” says Kim Horton, Greystar general manager for The Iris. “The amenities at The Iris rival the best across downtown Washington, and this location remains highly sought after for both first time renters and those moving up to newer, larger floor plans.”

CBG Building Partners served as the builder and Moya Design Partners as the architect.