South Cathedral Mansions Photo Credit: Urban Pace

WASHINGTON, DC—After completing a major renovation last year, robust leasing activity has brought the landmark South Cathedral Mansions here to peak occupancy.

The property, located at 2900 Connecticut Ave., NW in Washington's historic Woodley Park neighborhood, achieved occupancy stabilization in just eight months after the initial lease-up period, according to Urban Pace, the exclusive leasing and marketing representative for the 165-unit property.

“In collaboration with (property manager) Oculus Realty, we've been able to use our proprietary technology platform, UP Velocity, and implement new strategies—key among them, a range of exclusive activities that offered South Cathedral Mansions residents new opportunities to belong and connect as a community,” says Matt Dewey, COO of Urban Pace.

He adds that those efforts “built on the inimitable character and luxury of South Cathedral Mansions to achieve a remarkable and record-setting leasing pace that exceeded our client's expectations.”

An Urban Pace spokesperson says that eight months ago more than 105 units were vacant at the property. Today approximately 157 are now leased and occupied.

South Cathedral Mansions is a landmark apartment community that dates back more than 90 years. Originally constructed from 1922 to 1924, the property was designed by Harry Wardman, one of DC's most prolific builders at the time, and well-known architect Mihran Mesrobian. As part of a three-building complex totaling 492 units, and early named “Five Courts Mansions,” it was thought to be the largest U.S. apartment community south of New York City at the time.

South Cathedral Mansions was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. It is also listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites.

In June 2014, a joint venture of CAS Riegler, Oculus Realty and Commonwealth Residential, purchased the apartment building for $70 million and began a major renovation of the interior space and grounds. CAS Reigler states on its website that the primary goal of the capital improvement initiative was to “maintain all aspects of the historic building” including the brick façade, casement windows, hardwood floors, marble staircases and the lobby while incorporating a modern and luxurious design that includes high-end amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, sauna, steam room, outdoor pool, Carriage House community room and Basil's Run dog park.

Renovations were completed in 2017 and shortly thereafter the property earned Delta Associates' Award for Excellence as Best Renovation Apartment Community.

Urban Pace reports that CAS Riegler has retained the firm in the leasing and marketing of a new residential community in Washington's Dupont Circle neighborhood. Urban Pace also recently leased-up The Aspen, a 133-unit building at 1011 4th St., NW in Washington, DC.