Annex on 12th is a masterclass in innovative, eco-conscious design. Winner of the prestigious ULI Washington Award for Excellence in Adaptive Reuse, this community transformed a long-vacant 1936 U.S. Department of Agriculture Cotton Annex into residential oasis. By choosing a structural retrofit over total demolition, the development diverted over 75% of construction waste away from landfills and significantly minimized its carbon footprint.
Achieving LEED Gold Certification, the building seamlessly integrates high-performance, modern tech—like water-saving low-flow fixtures, high-efficiency VRF climate control, and an expansive green roof—directly into the framework of a National Register-listed landmark.
Beyond its sustainable foundation, the building is packed with rich architectural history and standout features that make it truly one-of-a-kind:
Bespoke Interiors by Champalimaud Design: The building’s public spaces and residences feature stunning interiors curated by the world-renowned firm Champalimaud Design. Known for their ultra-luxury hospitality work, the team blended contemporary style with 1920s and 1930s Art Deco-inspired detailing—complete with a backlit glass ceiling in the grand lobby—giving the Annex the refined feel of a high-end boutique hotel.
Historic Legacy: Long before it was a residential oasis, this landmark served as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Cotton Annex. Built in 1936, the building was the central hub where federal agricultural inspectors meticulously graded, classified, and archived the country's cotton supply, making it an integral piece of America’s mid-century economic and agricultural history.
"The Vault" Speakeasy Lounge: A resident-only speakeasy with plush velvet seating and the original, historic copper-clad skylights—originally built in the 1930s to flood the room with perfect northern daylight so agricultural inspectors could accurately grade the quality of American cotton. Anchored by an original 1930s federal vault door.
Limestone Façade: The building's exterior is a striking example of "Stripped Classical" or "PWA Modern" architecture. You can feel the history in its monumental, buff-colored brickwork and beautiful limestone façade, which earned the property a Washington Building Congress Craftsmanship Award for masonry.
Multi-Level Skybridges: Melding the past with the present, a series of sleek, modern pedestrian skybridges and multi-level corridors suspend in the air, elegantly connecting the original 7-story historic warehouse framework to the brand-new 13-story residential tower.
Parlor & Orangerie: For a touch of old-world grandeur, residents can relax in the Lush Parlor—a spectacular space featuring a grand chandelier and rich velvet sofas—or catch up on work in the sunlit Orangerie, a indoor-outdoor café space designed to bring nature into the heart of the city center.
Rooftop Infinity Pool & Lounge: Perched at the very top of the building , a crystal-clear infinity pool with a seamless glass railing. Enjoy unobstructed, panoramic vistas of the National Mall, the Washington Monument, and the Potomac River.
Historic, Novelle, or Collection Residences: A mix of design options spans both the meticulously restored historic structure and the striking new tower. Apartments come standard with expansive storage, massive windows, and premium modern comforts—including high-end appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, and smart thermostats.
Contact us to learn more about available floor plans, exclusive move-in specials, or to schedule a tour.
