Story

The Vela stands 11-stories tall and features 379-units and two floors of below-grade parking. Designed and built with simplicity, light, and comfort at the forefront, it offers a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The carefully crafted features foster a sense of community and warmth within the bustling Navy Yard neighborhood. Amenities include a welcoming outdoor courtyard, coworking spaces, outdoor and indoor lounges, clubroom, pet spa, a rooftop swimming pool, ground-floor retail, and a distinct double-height glass structural bridge on the eighth floor that houses the state-of-the-art floating fitness center. The city's first-of-its-kind bridge spans 100 feet long and two stories tall, and is comprised of two large trusses—one weighing 81,000 pounds, and a second weighing 105,000 pounds. These trusses were assembled on-site and lifted into place using a 900-ton crane, with the steel left exposed as part of the bridge's aesthetic design. The one- and two-bedroom apartments, townhomes, and penthouse units boast floor-to-ceiling windows, top-notch appliances and features, and waterfront views to the serene Anacostia River. The building exceeds 75 feet and is classified as high-rise by local zones within the SEFC Redevelopment Zone. The building is primarily concrete, aside the fitness spaces and pool, which are steel and composite decking. Vela is designed to LEED Silver standards, and utilizes photovoltaic/solar technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, accommodate sea-level changes, all while weaving in greenery and ample outdoor spaces throughout. The Vela successfully met the completion date and turned over the units on-time.