Fusion Academy Leases 15K SF in DC’s First Net-Zero Energy Office Building
By Keith Loria December 10, 2019 10:53 am
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Fusion Academy, a private middle and high school, has signed an 11-year, 14,690-square-foot lease at 2000 Florida Avenue, NW in Washington, D.C., according to Newmark (NMRK) Knight Frank, which represented the owner, American Geophysical Union (AGU), in the transaction.
Fusion has already moved into the building, taking the entire second floor.
AGU also has its headquarters in the 86,133-square-foot building, which was recently renovated in an effort to become D.C.’s first commercial building to attain net-zero energy goals, meaning that it’s powered by its own renewable energy sources. The property boasts a green wall to reduce energy and improve air quality; SageGlass, which controls sunlight by tinting automatically; a solar rooftop; a direct current power grid; and a municipal sewer heat exchange system.
“The new building aligns well with Fusion Academy’s goal to provide an innovative one-to-one learning solution in a warm and engaging learning environment,” Lindsey Leblanc, Fusion’s real estate manager of new school development for iEducation, the parent company of Fusion, told Commercial Observer. “We were attracted by the opportunity to offer our students a chance to learn in the nation’s first-ever existing commercial building to achieve net-zero energy goals — reinforcing the importance of protecting our environment and providing unique learning opportunities for our students on how the building functions.”
According to Leblanc, the building’s location was attractive to Fusion as it prepares to welcome students from across Washington, D.C.
“In the heart of D.C. — near the Metro and Dupont Circle — the location is more accessible to families seeking a safe and secure atmosphere that will allow their children to thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” Leblanc said. “This building also houses a national museum (American Geophysical Union), providing further learning opportunities for our students.”
The building also has a fitness center, conference center and rooftop terrace with views of northwest Washington, D.C., and the National Cathedral.
Sally Wilson, NKF’s executive managing director, Suzanne White, the firm’s director, and Morgan Monroe, associate, represented AGU in the deal, while Fusion was represented by JLL (JLL)’s Steve Spartin.
The building is currently 95 percent leased, with two spec suites available on the third floor.
