National Landing promises a walkable, connected neighborhood ideal for innovation, government access, and amenities. Nowhere in the area lives up to that promise quite as well as 2011 Crystal Drive, a transformed hub with everything from high-performance office spaces to state-of-the-art conference facilities to excellent culinary experiences—all at what is possibly the most centrally connected building in National Landing.
What is 2011 Crystal Drive?
One of National Landing’s most significant office repositioning projects, 2011 Crystal Drive is an 11-floor, nearly 500,000-square-foot building that, after a $40 million renovation, now offers major event and conference space, connected floors, flexible and high-tech offices, and amenities for the community.
What makes the building special?
When reimagining and designing the building, JBG SMITH prioritized human interaction and collaboration. Brian Cotter, JBG SMITH’s EVP of Leasing, says of that vision: “Ultimately, we’re firm believers that people come to work for people and to be with their colleagues and to collaborate and build culture.”
Architecture and design agency A+I brought the vision to life with natural materials, light-filled areas, fluid circulation pathways that encourage spontaneous interaction, and a dramatic new staircase linking floors visually and physically.
The food and beverage experience was also key to bringing the vision to life. The team felt it was important to have an all-day coffee-to-cocktail cafe anchoring 2011 Crystal Drive, believing meaningful connections happen around great dining experiences. This became Constellation Cafe, which is now open and serving coffee, tea, pastries, and a selection of everyday essentials and grab-and-go items in the morning, and heartier fare like sandwiches, salads, pasta, and bowls throughout the day.
Designed to complement Constellation Cafe is Altitude, a more upscale Italian restaurant, wine bar, and listening room. The restaurant is inspired by aviation and the golden age of travel—appropriate for the building’s proximity to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Altitude was designed to resemble an airplane wing cross section, with touches evoking the nostalgia of travel from the 1950s and 60s. David Morton of Episcope Hospitality, designer of the two restaurants, says the pair work together because, “Altitude is designed for lingering evenings, while Constellation is an energetic space for coffee, meals, and connection.”
What makes 2011 Crystal Drive’s location so advantageous?
The building sits right at the base of the CC2DCA, the pedestrian walkway that will connect Crystal Drive in National Landing directly to Reagan National Airport, a convenience unparalleled in all of the metro DC region. It is also steps from the VRE/Amtrak station and the Crystal City Metro entrance, an additional benefit to its strategic location. Tenants will also have access to signage and advertising openings on and near the bridge, a major branding opportunity.
What is the Concorde?
2011 Crystal Drive’s anchor venue is the Concorde, which spans over 12,000 square feet and offers a new standard in corporate hospitality ideally situated next to the Pentagon, Amazon’s headquarters, and Reagan National Airport. The Forum, the venue’s main presentation hall, seats up to 300 guests. Five additional rooms complement the main space allowing the Concorde to accommodate multiple simultaneous events.
With all the bells and whistles for presentations, speakers, and meetings, Concorde is poised to become the go-to event space for leaders across govcon and technology businesses. “National Landing is already home to one of the greatest concentrations of aerospace and technology players and now it can be a meeting and collaboration hub for those companies — walkable not only to the Pentagon but to innovators from all over the country via the new CC2DCA bridge,” says Evan Regan-Levine, Chief Strategy Officer of JBG SMITH.
To learn more about the Concorde’s offerings and book a space, visit the Concorde’s website.
If National Landing is where policy, defense, and technology converge, 2011 Crystal Drive is where the movers and shakers of those industries get things done. With modern design, exceptional dining, and state-of-the-art office and meeting space, the building is the new beating heart of the district.