WASHINGTON — June 20, 2012 — Douglas Development is pleased to announce that WorkSpaces LLC, a strategic furniture solutions consulting agency, has leased 20,817 square feet in the historic Wonder Bread Factory at 641 S Street, NW. WorkSpaces LLC will be the redeveloped property’s first tenant since the building closed in 1988.
WorkSpaces LLC will occupy the entire third floor of the District landmark and is expected to move in immediately following completion of construction. Douglas Development anticipates construction to be completed in January 2013.
Douglas Development Principal Norman Jemal is thrilled with the firm’s progress in revitalizing this iconic building, and is confident Douglas Development will give the property the proper makeover it deserves. “The redevelopment of the Wonder Bread Factory is another step in the revitalization of the District of Columbia and its historic structures,” he said. “It’s a great honor for Douglas Development and for everyone involved in this project to take this 20th century classic industrial space and renovate it for the 21st century. And one step inside the space tells the story of how amazing it now feels. It’s truly a fantastic, airy loft space that is exactly what we envisioned when we began this process,” Jemal said.
In addition to upper-level loft-like office space with industrial-style skylights, the redeveloped building, with a total of 98,000 square feet will offer 24,000 square feet of retail space. Office floor plates range in size from 12,000-22,000 square feet. Ceiling heights range from 11-12 feet. The building will also boast outdoor terrace space, lower level parking, and a combination of exposed brick walls and floor-to-ceiling glass on all four sides. The exterior design, approved by the Historic Preservation Review Board, features a colorful, contemporary new addition of glass and metal panels to complement the restored brick of the historic building.
The 641 S Street property was initially home to Dorsch’s White Cross Bakery in the early 1900s and then later purchased by Continental Baking Company in 1936, becoming the primary factory for Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake products. The building shut down in 1988 when Continental Baking moved to a larger facility in Philadelphia, and was purchased by Douglas Development in 1997.
Jennifer Brody and Samuel Buckner of Cresa Partners represented the tenant.
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