WASHINGTON, DC-The JBG Cos. is developing a 245-unit apartment building in the Shaw neighborhood near Howard University. The project, called the Shay, will include 28,000-square feet of retail and will be split between buildings east and west of 8th Street along Florida Avenue but linked with similar features, including a unified pedestrian design with restaurant and coffee shop seating and other uses.

The exterior of the building, which is retaining an industrial feel, has been designed by Seattle, WA-based The Miller Hull Partnership, along with the BKV Group, in Minneapolis. The goal of the design was to integrate the property into the existing neighborhood, according to JBG vice president Lauren Jezienicki "by introducing contemporary architecture that transitions in scale and aesthetic to complement the historic neighborhood context."

JBG is also redeveloping the former Atlantic Plumbing warehouse on V Street next to the 9:30 Club into apartments with retail on the ground floor. The Shay is expected to open in the spring of 2015. JBG expects to sign on "indie" retail tenants such as coffee houses, galleries, sandwich shops, bakers and art studios.