Washington Real Estate Investment Trust Announces Joint Venture to Develop Apartment Community in Arlington, Virginia

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust WRE has entered into a joint venture with Crimson Partners to develop a six-story, 150 unit mid-rise apartment community in Arlington, Virginia. The joint venture recently purchased the proposed development site, which is approximately 37,000 square feet and located at the corner of North Glebe Road and North Carlin Springs Road, across the street from Ballston Common Mall and within walking distance of the Ballston Metro Station and one of the busiest Harris Teeter grocery stores in the metro region. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $43.5 million, with a projected stabilized return on cost between 7.0-8.0%. WRIT will be a 90% owner of the joint venture. Crimson Partners will be a 10% owner and responsible for the development, construction and lease-up of the property, with WRIT having management and leasing responsibilities. Construction is projected to commence in second quarter 2012 and will last approximately 15-18 months. “The Ballston submarket has consistently proven to be one of the strongest in our region among all property types, year in and year out. This neighborhood is a vibrant, urban environment with a strong amenity base of restaurants, entertainment and retailers alongside office buildings and transit, making it a prime location for renters. This transaction fits well into our stated strategy of owning high quality properties in infill locations and we look forward to seeing it to completion,” said George F. “Skip” McKenzie, President and Chief Executive Officer.