John “Chip” Akridge, founder of Akridge

The Historical Society of Washington, D.C. is proud to celebrate Akridge, this year’s Distinction in Historic Preservation recipient for the 2018 Annual Making D.C. History Awards.

Founded by John “Chip” Akridge in 1974, the commercial real estate company has developed or managed more than 14 million square feet of property in downtown and suburban Washington. The Homer Building, the Victor Building, and Carroll Square are only a few of the historic properties in Akridge’s portfolio. But what makes Akridge really stand out?

The company has consistently prioritized the environment. In 2014 Akridge won the Mayor’s Sustainability Award for its dedication to environmental excellence.

Akridge President Matthew J. Klein, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans at the 2018 groundbreaking of the Thaddeus Stevens School.

The company has played a crucial role in a team of developers working to renovate and develop the historic Thaddeus Stevens School in the West End. The project broke ground in June 2018 after 19 years of planning. This year, Akridge established the Thaddeus Stevens School Scholarship for college-bound Washington, D.C. high school students.

Chip Akridge, who will be accepting this year’s award, has also been a leader in environmental advocacy. His love of the Chesapeake Bay has led him to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Nature Conservancy of Maryland/DC.

 

Gallery Place, seen here under construction by Akridge, opened in 2004 as a cornerstone of the revitalization of the East End of Downtown.

Additionally, he is the founder and president of the Trust for the National Mall, which supports the National Park Service and works to improve the infrastructure and amenities of the National Mall.

 

Of the Mall, he said: “It’s worth saving. And it’s worth being what it ought to be, which is the best park in the world.”

For preserving and enhancing Washington’s built environment, please join the Historical Society in honoring Akridge during the 2018 Making D.C. History Awards at the Newseum on Thursday, September 20, 2018.

Read about the Drew and Jarvis Families, this year’s “Legacy Families of Washington, D.C.” recipients, HITT Contracting, Inc. for “Distinction in Corporate Achievement,” and Central Union Mission, the 2018 “Distinction in Social Services” recipient.

 

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