Matt Kelly

JBG SMITH is a top real estate investment trust, shaping some of the D.C. area’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods — and leading the company’s charge is Matt Kelly, JBG SMITH’s chief executive, since its 2017 founding.

In 2021, JBG SMITH has seen its portfolio rise to encompass 17.3 million square feet of office, multifamily and retail assets, along with a development pipeline consisting of 16.8 million square feet of mixed-use opportunities throughout the D.C. region.

“The past year has been an adjustment for everyone, but I’m proud to say that our company culture has proven incredibly durable and resilient,” Kelly said over email. “I have been nothing but impressed with how our teams have adapted and risen to the occasion.”

Additionally, JBG SMITH completed more than 800,000 square feet of office leases over the last year, including a substantial volume of renewals.

“Our prior successes in establishing a strong balance sheet and ample liquidity continue to serve us well,” Kelly said. “We have put ourselves on very solid footing, which gives us the freedom and confidence to continue advancing our under-construction and near-term development pipeline, particularly in National Landing.”

Indeed, as the exclusive development partner at National Landing for both Amazon’s HQ2 and Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus, the company is recognized as the driving force behind the region’s transformation into a tech and innovation hub.

The REIT also recently partnered with J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives to design, develop, manage, and own approximately 2 million square feet of new mixed-use development in Potomac Yard, adjacent to the Innovation Campus.

“Just around the corner, along Crystal Drive, we completed development of a dynamic new retail and entertainment district, which is already 83 percent leased, along with the redevelopment of 1770 Crystal Drive, which is fully leased to Amazon,” Kelly said.

JBG SMITH remains active on its own portfolio of developments as well. It recently received approval from Arlington County to begin construction on two residential buildings, 2000 and 2001 South Bell streets; and began construction on two residential towers at 1900 Crystal Drive in National Landing in March. It also purchased a prime site directly across the street from Amazon’s future headquarters at the end of last year.

In addition, JBG SMITH remains focused on its ongoing projects and potential development opportunities in the Ballpark District, Union Market and Shaw in D.C., as well as Reston Town Center in Virginia, and in Bethesda.