The Atlantic Council Signs Nearly 80,000-SF Lease at TMG’s “The Aleck” Building

The Atlantic Council, a nonpartisan organization that galvanizes U.S. leadership and engagement in the world, is expanding and recently signed a 79,671-square-foot lease at the Meridian Group’s repositioned building “The Aleck” at 1400 L Street, NW.

Despite current market conditions, this significant transaction reflects the flight-to-quality trend as trophy and renovated Class A buildings continue to appeal to companies seeking higher-end office space. This is the second major tenant TMG has attracted to the building since the renovation completed in mid-2020.

A contemporary take on a traditional office building, The Aleck’s $20 million-renovation was designed by Hickok Cole Architects. The building is named for Alexander Graham Bell, who had one of his first laboratories located just a block away. Bell’s story is woven throughout the branding in the building, with the hope it would strike a chord with innovative and forward-looking companies like The Atlantic Council.

“The Atlantic Council’s international programs and need for more space were the perfect match for our recently repositioned asset at 1400 L St. The organization was looking for a creative home to host large scale meetings and events and we were able to achieve their needs seamlessly at our building. We are beyond thrilled to welcome a group that is excited about the future of office space. The company’s upgraded experience and thoughtful design will allow them to continue their mission of providing the best programming and services for its employees, guests and members,” said Katie Yanushonis, Senior Vice President and Head of Leasing at TMG.

Other unique attributes of the building include a double-height lobby with a monumental staircase connecting to the Aleck Lounge. The Aleck Lounge was designed with tenant flexibility in mind, featuring a hospitality-driven tenant lounge and kitchen area connected to a 100-plus-person capacity conference center, all expanding out through a collapsible glass wall system to an urban terrace with views of Thomas Circle and Franklin Square.

CBRE advised TMG throughout the design and market positioning of the redevelopment at the Aleck. CBRE team members included Executive Vice President Mark Klug, Senior Vice President Carroll Cavanagh, Executive Vice President Scott Frankel, Vice President Emily Eppolito and Vice President Dimitri Hajimihalis.

“The recent transaction with Atlantic Council continues to prove out TMG’s business plan that many organizations are demanding an upgrade to their office experience,” said Mark Klug, Executive Vice President at CBRE. “The Aleck has successfully attracted multiple top tier companies because of TMG’s efforts to deliver a market-leading reposition that evokes an emotional response through its experience and branding throughout. A handful of buildings are really starting to separate themselves from the pack and this transaction reflects that bifurcation in the market for an increased demand for higher-end, renovated space. The fact that this transaction was an expansion also proves office demand will continue to evolve, but will remain a necessity to propel company culture and deliver the mission of the organizations.”

Kurt Richter, Ned Goodwin, Reed Miller of Cushman & Wakefield represented The Atlantic Council.

Additional building amenities include a fitness center with the latest in fitness tech, spa-quality locker rooms, studio space and a new trend in fitness amenities - "executive" fitness rooms which provide a more private fitness experience with individualized mirror rooms. The building also features a fully automated concierge mobile app accessible through tenant's smartphones, capable of managing everything from amenity and conference reservations to catering and food delivery to office supplies.

Located in the heart of one of Washington’s most vibrant neighborhoods, The Aleck is close to some of the D.C. area’s most popular hotels, restaurants, shops, art galleries and entertainment venues. It’s also near Franklin Park, which recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of its own. The refurbished park features an outdoor café, a children’s play area, new lighting, and a new fountain.

About TMG
TMG (The Meridian Group) is a real estate investment management and development firm headquartered in Bethesda, Md. with an office in Dallas. Since its inception in 1993, TMG has acquired and developed millions of square feet of premier office, residential, industrial, hotel and mixed-use projects. The national firm invests in a broad spectrum of property types and is strategically expanding into new markets across the country. To learn more, visit TMG’s website at www.tmgdc.com.