Avison Young secures lease with The Beer Institute Inc. at the Portrait Building for landlord Douglas Development Corporation

A relocation that highlights the resurgence of the East End submarket and the importance of tenant-focused building amenities.

Washington, D.C. – Avison Young has arranged a new 6,179-square-foot (sf) lease at the Portrait Building, located at 701 8^th Street, NW, in Washington, D.C. on behalf of owner Douglas Development Corporation. The new tenant, The Beer Institute Inc., a trade association advocating for the brewing industry, is currently located at 440 1^st Street.

The Beer Institute Inc. is expected to take occupancy by the beginning of 2026, following a tenant fit-out of their eighth-floor suite, which includes access to a private outdoor space with Washington Monument views.

The Portrait Building is owned by Douglas Development Corporation long respected for their redevelopment successes and reputation for revitalizing neighborhoods throughout the District of Columbia, suburban Virginia and Maryland.  The Avison Young leasing team, led by Principals Jonathan Wellborn and Eli Barnes, and Senior Vice President Lauryn Harris has represented the Portrait Building for more than five years.

“The Beer Institute moving from Capitol Hill to the East End speaks to the resurgence of the Gallery Place neighborhood and the investment we’re making into this premier property,” said Norman Jemal, Managing Partner, Douglas Development Corporation. “For associations like The Beer Institute, maintaining a presence in the Nation’s Capital is paramount, and having top tier tenants like them will continue to help the Gallery Place neighborhood thrive in the future.”

"Team Beer is thrilled to relocate our office to The Portrait Building.” Said Brian Crawford, President and CEO of The Beer Institute. “With its state-of-the-art amenities and dynamic workspaces, it’s the perfect location for the Beer Institute to host incredible events, hold impactful meetings and foster new connections both inside and outside the beer industry. This move reflects our commitment to our team’s continued success, and we are confident that the Portrait Building will help us advocate for and celebrate beer and its 2.4 million employees better than ever."

The Beer Institute, Inc. was represented by Joh Schlegel, Executive Vice President and Andrew Asbill, Managing Director of Transwestern.

The Portrait Building is within steps of Capital One Arena, home to the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards, and centrally located within walking distance to the myriad shops and restaurants that the Gallery Place neighborhood has to offer. The on-site building amenities at the Portrait Building currently include a new first floor fitness center with spa quality locker rooms, a first-floor tenant lounge and event space, and a new bike room inclusive of lockers and bike maintenance station.  In addition, a new conference facility will deliver 1Q 2025 with the ability to accommodate meetings for upwards of 100 people. 

“The competition for high-end properties with proximity to neighborhood amenities is strong in the Washington, D.C. metro area. City officials have partnered with the Gallery Place stakeholders like Douglas Development Corporation to reinvest in the neighborhood to make it a prime location for office users and residents, with the Portrait Building at the heart of it all,” said Wellborn. “Since acquiring the asset, Douglas Development Corporation has invested in the property, offering new amenities which continue to attract tenants seeking premium office locations in one of D.C.’s most dynamic neighborhoods.”

Since acquiring the Portrait Building this summer, Douglas Development Corporation has signed two new leases totaling approximately 23,000 square feet and continue to experience significant leasing activity and tours.