1200 18th Street, NW photo courtesy The Davis Companies
All the info on the planned 166 units of living space conversion, as well as more on Bistro Français coming to the ground floor, from a press release:
“Boston-based real estate investment, development, and management firm The Davis Companies (Davis) today announced the new name of its office-to-residential conversion development, Dimora Dupont (Dimora). Located in Dupont Circle at 1200 18th Street NW, the property is the latest office-to-residential conversion in the region and will pay homage to its history as the Ring Building through a maintained façade as it is repurposed as top-quality living space.
Derived from the Italian word for home, the name Dimora signifies heritage and intentionality, signaling a deliberate identity transformation. The building’s former office spaces will become a blend of residential, community, and retail spaces to welcome both new residents and existing community members as they engage with the area’s vibrant social scene. In its next chapter, Dimora will build on its history as a fixture in Dupont Circle to bring new energy to the neighborhood as it evolves as a destination for locals and visitors alike.
“The Dimora Dupont conversion is a testament to the strength of Davis’ national residential portfolio and aptitude for identifying unique, neighborhood defining assets that bring value to entire communities,” said Stephen Skolas, Managing Director – Development at Davis and a lead for the firm’s residential vertical. “More than a conversion, this building represents a commitment to Dupont Circle that honors what Dimora was in its previous life while shaping what it will become: residences where historic tradition and refined living can coexist.”
Acquired by Davis in 2025, the property currently hosts 207,789 square feet of office property that will be converted into 166 units of living space and 6,446 square feet of ground floor retail. Residents will have access to extensive amenities including a penthouse lounge, speakeasy, theater, a sauna with other wellness therapies, and a rooftop terrace with grills. The building will also feature a fitness center, sunken basketball court, and simulators for golf and Formula One racing, along with on-site bike and rental storage.
Bistro Français, a new French restaurant paying homage to the Georgetown landmark by the same name, is slated to open on the ground floor in August 2027. The restaurant will bring the comfort and familiarity of the Parisian staple with its menu and design, while serving as a community gathering place that connects Dimora with the surrounding neighborhood.
“Dimora Dupont is another example of how we are reimagining underutilized office space to meet the needs of a growing city. By adding new housing, activating the ground floor with retail, and preserving the character of an iconic building, this project will bring new energy to Golden Triangle and support the long-term vitality of downtown DC,” said Washington, D.C. Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert.
Dimora Dupont marks Davis’ first acquisition in D.C., adding to a strong nationwide residential portfolio that includes 1515 Commonwealth Avenue and The Clayborn at 970 Fellsway in Greater Boston, 1975 Madison Avenue and 55 Willoughby Road in New York City, as well as other properties in the Sunbelt region of the United States. This project plays a crucial role in a wave of office-to-residential conversions, part of a broader regional effort to support housing production.
“The conversion of Dimora is a great addition to the neighborhood, adding more places for people to live and dine in our rapidly evolving area. Projects like Dimora strengthen the neighborhood’s economic foundation, draw in new residents, and create lasting benefits for the community, said Leona Agouridis, CEO of the Golden Triangle BID. “Davis’ commitment to the community’s continued growth and energy aligns with our own vision of a livable, global, and innovative neighborhood.”
The project team includes D.C. architect Eric Colbert & Associates and Arlington-based general contractor John Moriarty Associates. The expected completion date is Spring 2027.”