Jemal Real Estate Strategies And DivcoWest Form Venture For 323-Unit Washington, D.C. Conversion

October 8, 2026 - 18:17

Jemal Real Estate Strategies and DivcoWest have entered into a joint venture to transform a large office property in Washington, D.C. into residential housing. The partnership will convert a 342,000-square-foot office building located in the city's West End neighborhood into roughly 323 apartments.

The project reflects a growing trend in the District and other major U.S. cities where aging office stock is being repositioned for residential use. Demand for office space has softened in recent years, while the need for housing in centrally located neighborhoods remains strong. Converting existing structures can reduce construction timelines and take advantage of established infrastructure, transit access, and nearby amenities.

The West End location places the future apartments near downtown offices, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The joint venture partners have not announced a completion date or a total project cost. The conversion will require significant interior work, including new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, along with updated layouts designed for residential living.

Jemal Real Estate Strategies is a familiar name in the region's development scene, while DivcoWest brings experience in real estate investment and management. Their collaboration signals continued confidence in the long-term value of well-located D.C. real estate, even as the office sector faces uncertainty. The project is expected to add hundreds of new homes to a market where housing supply has struggled to keep pace with demand.