WMATA Retains JLL To Consolidate Offices, Potentially Sell HQ
WMATA is moving forward on its mission to consolidate its 912K SF of office space spread out across seven locations throughout the D.C. region.
After issuing a request for proposals in May, the transit agency has retained JLL to map out a consolidation plan, which could potentially include the sale of the Jackson Graham Building, its HQ since 1974, the Washington Business Journal reports.
Metro spokeswoman Sherri Ly told WBJ it is too early to say which buildings, if any, will be sold, but the Jackson Graham building will likely be a top consideration. The property, at 600 Fifth St. NW, would need $90M in renovations to be brought back to standards, and a 2016 report by McKinsey & Co. recommended WMATA consider selling the building, which occupies a full block in Chinatown, across the street from Capital One Arena, until very recently known as Verizon Center.
In addition to housing the agency's administrative functions, the building also hosts rooftop radio antennae and fiber optic cables that support the entire Metro system. A Red Line train runs through the B3 level of the building.
The agency also owns buildings in Landover, Greenbelt and Alexandria and leases space in Landover, Hyattsville and at L'Enfant Plaza. The agency hopes to reduce operating costs by consolidating to owned offices in Metro-accessible locations.
