Historic former US State Department transformed into The Wray
The Wray’s club lounge bar by Sam Kittner // Washington, D.C.
The Wray Reveals a First Look at Luxurious Rooftop and Amenities
Historic former US State Department offices have been transformed into vibrant Foggy Bottom apartments
Washington, DC, (August 23, 2021) -- Return to purpose and creativity at The Wray, the exceptional new Foggy Bottom rental residences whose striking Art Deco design glows with inspiration and optimism.
Opened in Spring 2021, The Wray (515 22nd St. NW) seamlessly blends bygone craftsmanship with luxury amenities designed for modern life. Now, The Wray’s luxurious amenities have opened, and photos reveal a first look at the sleek rooftop lounge and luxe, Art Deco-inspired club room and bar.
The Wray, an eight-story, pre-war building, has an intriguing, only-in-Washington history. Originally designed in the 1940s as residential apartments, the building was acquired by the US government during World War II and ultimately spent decades as State Department offices. Today, it has been thoughtfully revived by renowned designers Edit Lab at Streetsense. From the lobby’s artisan bas relief from Baltimore’s Mclain Wiesand, to the myriad nods to the building’s stately past, glimmers of a more elegant age warm the halls of The Wray, lighting the path to a new way of life.
“The little-known history of The Wray is that it was originally intended to be residences. There was a destiny that it never got to live through. We were lucky enough to have access to the original hand drawings, and we’ve used that as inspiration to re-create and reimagine the building for a new audience,” says designer Brian Miller of Edit Lab at Streetsense. “The building’s unique ‘bones’ offered us an opportunity to be creative while paying homage to the federal Moderne character of the historic building. We filled it with vintage materials specified in the original drawings and a mix of classic and contemporary furniture pieces, maintained striking historic features, and tried to capture the building’s story through every detail from the woodwork to the lighting.”
That eye for good taste infuses the Wray’s 158 studio, one- and two-bedroom units, which feature warm wood flooring, in-suite laundry, granite counters, and stainless steel appliances. On-the-go professionals and politicos can also experience The Wray lifestyle without pressure, thanks to 19 exclusive, tastefully furnished corporate units through a unique partnership with Interim Homes. Finally, a pet spa, dedicated bike storage, concierge services, and a rooftop gym featuring two Peloton bikes complete life at The Wray, bringing it into comfortable, convenient balance.
At The Wray, reverence for community and the outdoors reigns. From the rooftop, glimpse the White House, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol and even the National Cathedral, all while cooking dinner on the grill. Or catch up with friends in the outdoor living room with its lounge seating and gas firepit. Gather in the rooftop penthouse club with lounge, bar, and private meeting room. Or simply spend your weekends exploring the rich Foggy Bottom community; the Wray is only a few blocks from the Metro, world-renowned Kennedy Center, Rock Creek Park, Georgetown waterfront, The George Washington University, Whole Foods, plus restaurants, retail and more.
“We are excited to be part of The Wray in the Foggy Bottom community, a new neighborhood for our group that’s rich with culture and history,” says Scott Jenkinsof ELV Associates, a partner in the project. “It is truly one of the only luxury communities in the city where residents can surround themselves by some of the most iconic attractions in the region while enjoying easy access to work, entertainment, and dining. The residents of The Wray will have it all!”
Developed by Insight Property Group in partnership with ELV Associates, The Wray is open for in-person tours and currently leasing. To learn more about The Wray, visit www.thewraydc.com. Follow The Wray on Facebook and Instagram at @thewraydc.
About Insight Property Group: Insight Property Group develops, acquires, and re-positions well-situated multifamily and mixed-use properties in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Since its inception in 2009, through the collaboration of a team of highly experienced and locally focused industry professionals, the Company has unlocked a broad range of investment opportunities that continue to set a standard for strong and innovative execution in the marketplace. Thanks to their partnerships, with investments of over $1.4 billion, Insight Property Group has planned, delivered, and acquired over 4,500 residential units and 200,000 square feet of commercial and retail space. Their portfolio of activities includes the development of high-end residential and mixed-use buildings, the acquisition of workforce housing, the construction of affordable housing through public partnerships, the delivery of infill for-sale housing, and the repositioning of close-in suburban rental communities. Insight Property Group approaches each project with focus, creativity, and care. For more information, visit www.insightpropertygroupllc.com.
About ELV Associates: ELV Associates, Inc. is a privately held real estate investment and management firm established in 1990 to represent high net-worth investors in connection with direct investments in United States commercial properties. The firm has established high-quality property portfolios in three US regions – New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeast – offering investors geographic and product diversification and exceptional returns through income and appreciation common to real estate investments. To date, ELV Associates has completed acquisition and development transactions representing over $2 billion in market value. Fundamental to all of their investments is property of high intrinsic value where inefficiencies are exploited and value is enhanced through their hands-on teams in Boston, Massachusetts, Washington, DC, and Atlanta, Georgia.
About Bozzuto: The Bozzuto Group is an experience-focused real estate company distinguished by its innovative developments, dedicated customer service, and top-rated workplace culture. With award-winning expertise in homebuilding, multifamily development, construction, and management, Bozzuto is devoted to delivering extraordinary experiences for those they serve. Since their founding in 1988, Bozzuto has developed, acquired, and built more than 50,000 homes and apartments. Celebrating 32 years of creating a sanctuary for their residents, Bozzuto currently manages 80,000 apartments and 2.5 million square feet of retail space along the East Coast, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, New York City, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, and Boston. www.bozzuto.com
About Interim Homes: Interim Homes is an established nationwide leader in providing turn-key corporate housing solutions for all government, relocation, insurance, and commercial needs. Established in 1999 and headquartered in Annapolis, MD, Interim Homes offers best-in-class accommodations reflecting its commitment to excellence and a premium guest experience. The team at Interim Homes is comprised of corporate housing experts and real estate professionals carrying a combined 75+ years of industry experience and are active members of the Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA) and the Worldwide Employee Relocation Council (ERC). Interim Homes is a certified woman-owned small business (WOSB) and has held its GSA contract with the Federal Government since 2012.
PRESS CONTACT: For additional information, please contact Dannia Hakki of MoKi Media: dannia.hakki@mokimedia.com or 202.257.9911.
