The 152-key hotel at 1 Washington Circle will undergo a $30 million renovation and re-open in 2023 as an AKA-branded property.
WASHINGTON D.C. – Electra America Hospitality Group (EAHG), a joint venture between Electra America and AKA, has acquired a hotel in Washington D.C’s vibrant West End neighborhood, just blocks from George Washington University, George Washington University Hospital, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and other major institutions.
The 152-room One Washington Circle Hotel was acquired for an undisclosed price from the seller, George Washington University. It will undergo a $30 million renovation and re-open in June 2023 as an AKA-branded luxury hotel residence, specializing in weekly and monthly stays.
“This was an excellent opportunity to acquire a hotel asset in need of renovation in a high barrier-to-entry market that will enjoy substantial growth as a result of multiple demand drivers, including proximity to large, prestigious academic institutions, governmental agencies and a litany of D.C. tourism attractions,” says Russ Urban, CEO of EAHG. “This property also complements AKA’s growing presence in the Washington D.C. metro market, allowing AKA to capitalize on efficiencies derived from economy of scale while planting a flag in one of the city’s most exciting districts.”
“Having established AKA’s presence over a decade ago in D.C. at AKA White House and with the newest property, Hotel AKA Alexandria, opening later this year, we are excited to continue to bring AKA – known for high-design, world class amenities and service – to new cities throughout the region,” says Larry Korman, president of AKA. “We’ve always had confidence in this market and acquiring One Washington Circle provides AKA with an opportunity to join the Foggy Bottom neighborhood where history, business and international affairs meet.”
“We are pleased by the successful completion of this transaction. The proceeds from the sale of One Washington Circle will be used to support the academic mission of the university,” says Bruno Fernandes, Vice President Finance & Treasurer of the George Washington University.
“This transaction is a testament to the strength of the D.C, market and its recovery,” added Marc Magazine, Executive Managing Director, Hospitality, at Savills USA, which represented the seller.
Built in 1964 and last renovated in 2003, the One Washington Circle Hotel is a 9-story property with 152 suites averaging 480 square feet. It presently has a ground-floor restaurant and 3,300-square-foot meeting room; fitness center, business center and small outdoor pool; and roughly 45 parking spots. The property is just a short walk to George Washington University, the Foggy Bottom Metro Station, and Dupont Circle, and is in close proximity to Georgetown, the White House, and the U.S. Capitol Building.
This marks EAHG’s fifth acquisition since the joint venture launched in early 2021 with the intent to acquire and reimagine hotels in major gateway cities. Since then, it has acquired hotels in Manhattan and Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, and recently entered Florida with the acquisition of an iconic 201-room property in Miami, now Hotel AKA Brickell, and the purchase of a property for the 217-key AKA West Palm.
AKA, which has a portfolio of luxury hotels and hotel residences, specializes in accommodations designed for short and long-stay guests. The global brand is known for its exceptional business, wellness and lifestyle amenities in well-known neighborhoods. AKA currently operates 14 properties in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Alexandria, West Palm Beach and London.
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
