Located in Washington DC’s Shaw District, The Wren at 965 Florida Avenue is a 433-unit, mixed-use residential building with a single 46,000-SF Whole Foods grocery at ground level. The project has 30% of its units at an affordable level of 30% and 50% of AMI. Three below-grade levels of parking serve both retail and residential uses with approximately 344 spaces. Above the street retail, the U-shaped building surrounds a landscaped courtyard with residential amenities including, at the penthouse level, a swimming pool, dog walk, and community garden. A bridge over the internal courtyard provides a unique amenity space for lounging and informal gathering as well as unparalleled views of the Washington Monument and Capitol.

The architectural design is a contemporary interpretation of the historic steel frame and masonry industrial buildings that were once the hallmark of the historic district. The materials and tri-story frame provide texture and scale that tie the high-rise building to the older building stock in adjoining blocks, while the prismatic glass bays reflect the vibrant modern city that DC is today. The building marks the gateway corners that link the Shaw District on the south to Howard University on the north. Building upon the strong identity of the Whole Foods anchor, the interiors and terrace design extend the theme of an organic, healthy oasis in the city.