Finding quality commercial space in the heart of the District requires understanding specific building layouts, transit links, and neighborhood perks. 1717 Rhode Island Ave NW is a prominent Class A office property located in Washington, D.C.'s Dupont Circle neighborhood. Spanning roughly 157,050 square feet across 10 stories, this freestanding building integrates historic row house facades with modern corporate architecture, offering high-end amenities and strategic proximity to downtown employment hubs.
Originally completed in 2005 and managed by Lincoln Property Company, the property has undergone significant lobby, fitness center, and conference room upgrades. If you're evaluating this address for corporate relocation, leasing spec suites, or exploring neighborhood infrastructure, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about the building specifications, transit options, and surrounding amenities.
Building Specifications and Architecture
The physical design of 1717 Rhode Island Ave NW stands out in the Washington market due to its unique integration of four historic townhomes on its front facade, adjacent to St. Matthew's Cathedral. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) for The Kaempfer Company and the Archdiocese of Washington, the structure blends historic preservation with modern commercial utility.
- Total Building Size: Approximately 157,050 square feet across 10 stories.
- Typical Floor Plate: Around 15,705 square feet, featuring fully freestanding layouts with windows on all four sides.
- Ceiling Heights: Ranging from 8 feet 4 inches up to 15 feet in select top-floor areas.
- Parking Ratio: Underground garage parking with 106 total spaces (roughly 1 space per 1,500 square feet).
- HVAC System: Variable Air Volume (VAV) system designed for efficient thermal zoning across individual suites.
Upper floors, such as Suite 1000 and Suite 900, feature private terraces, balconies, and view corridors overlooking Rhode Island Avenue. For growing businesses, availability typically spans smaller spec suites starting around 1,166 square feet up to full-floor availabilities exceeding 15,000 square feet.
Amenities and On-Site Features
Class A office buildings compete heavily on tenant amenities, and this property delivers robust facilities designed to support hybrid work models and executive retention.
- Fitness Facility: A tenant-only fitness center equipped with modern exercise machines, free weights, and spa-like locker rooms.
- Conference Center: A newly constructed ground-floor executive conference center available for tenant meetings and presentations.
- Security: 24/7 on-site security guards, electronic access control, and professional on-site property management.
- Outdoor Space: Multiple private terraces and balconies offering direct exterior access without leaving the building footprint.
Location and Transit Accessibility
Situated just south of Dupont Circle and seven blocks from the White House, the building earns high marks for urban walkability and public transit connectivity according to LoopNet property data. Commuters have multiple rail and bus options within a short walking radius:
- Metrorail Stations: Farragut North (Red Line) and Dupont Circle (Red Line) are within a two-block walk, while Farragut West (Orange, Blue, Silver Lines) is roughly three blocks away.
- Airport Access: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is reachable within a 15-to-20-minute drive via the George Washington Parkway. Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) are accessible within an hour depending on traffic.
- Biking and Walking: The surrounding streetscape includes dedicated bike lanes, Capital Bikeshare docks, and a Walk Score of 98, making pedestrian errands straightforward.
Neighborhood Amenities and Dining
Leasing office space at 1717 Rhode Island Ave NW places your team steps away from established commercial corridors along Connecticut Avenue and M Street NW.
For client lunches or after-work gatherings, the immediate area features high-end dining institutions like The Palm, The Dabney, and regional favorites, alongside casual cafes and coffee shops. Essential services—including Whole Foods, Safeway, pharmacies, and major financial institutions—are all within a five-minute walk. Business travelers visiting your office can choose from numerous nearby hotels, including The Mayflower Hotel, The Jefferson, and the Courtyard by Marriott Dupont Circle.
Common Leasing Mistakes to Avoid
Navigating commercial real estate negotiations in downtown Washington can be complex. Avoid these frequent pitfalls when touring properties in the Dupont Circle submarket:
- Failing to factor in build-out timelines: While spec suites are move-in ready, full-floor raw spaces require custom tenant improvements (TIs) that can extend your occupancy timeline by months. Always request a clear schedule from the landlord's broker.
- Overlooking parking ratios: Downtown parking is strictly capped in many D.C. zones. If your executive team relies on driving, verify the exact parking allocation tied to your lease square footage rather than assuming garage spots are unlimited.
- Ignoring core factor calculations: Class A buildings often apply building-specific load factors to convert usable square footage (USF) to rentable square footage (RSF). Always compare the usable-to-rentable ratios across multiple properties to understand your true cost per desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What major companies lease space at 1717 Rhode Island Ave NW?
The building houses prominent corporate tenants, including regional offices for Uber Technologies and Alps Management, Steve Case's private equity firm.
What is the typical lease structure for offices in this building?
Spaces are generally offered on full-service lease terms where base rent includes property taxes, building insurance, and routine maintenance, with utility adjustments handled per lease agreement.
Is visitor parking available on-site?
Yes, the building features a three-level subterranean parking garage with daily rates and hourly visitor parking managed by local parking operators.
How close is the building to government agencies and Capitol Hill?
The property sits seven blocks north of the White House and offers direct Red Line Metro access to judicial and legislative offices downtown and on Capitol Hill in under 15 minutes.
