White & Case Takes Nearly Entire Building In D.C. Office Relocation

Why It Matters

The transaction reinforces law‑firm anchors as the primary engine of trophy office development in D.C., shaping the city’s premium office supply and setting a new benchmark for the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor.

Key Takeaways

• White & Case leases 196,000 SF, 94% of 208K SF building.
• Lease covers 12 floors at Grosvenor’s 1701 Pennsylvania Ave NW.
• Two‑year renovation adds new windows, rooftop penthouse, fitness center.
• Move planned for December 2029 after November 2028 completion.
• Law‑firm anchor demand fuels D.C. trophy office development.

Pulse Analysis

White & Case’s near‑full‑building lease marks one of the most sizable law‑firm relocations in recent D.C. history. By securing 196,000 sq ft, the firm not only consolidates its presence near the White House but also signals robust client demand that justifies premium office commitments. This move follows a pattern where elite law firms act as anchor tenants, providing the financial certainty developers need to pursue high‑cost, trophy‑class projects in a market still recovering from pandemic‑induced uncertainty.

The accompanying renovation, set to finish in late 2028, will modernize a 1960s‑era structure with energy‑efficient window systems, a new rooftop penthouse, and a state‑of‑the‑art fitness center. Such upgrades elevate the building’s market positioning, potentially attracting additional high‑profile tenants to the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor. For Grosvenor, the investment aligns with a broader strategy to revitalize legacy assets, enhancing both tenant experience and long‑term asset value while preserving the historic streetscape that defines Washington’s core.

Industry analysts view this lease as a bellwether for the next wave of office development in the capital. Law‑firm anchors continue to drive speculative construction, prompting developers like BXP and Skanska to line up similar pre‑leases for upcoming projects. As firms prioritize location, amenities, and brand visibility, the demand for premium, customizable spaces is likely to outpace supply, reinforcing upward pressure on rents and spurring further redevelopment of aging office stock. The White & Case deal thus exemplifies how tenant‑led initiatives shape the trajectory of commercial real estate in Washington.