Landmark Commitment by White & Case Catalyzes Grosvenor’s Best-in-Class Repositioning of 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6, 2026 - JLL and Grosvenor, the international property group, today announced the execution of a landmark office lease with leading global law firm White & Case LLP at 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. The transaction is the most significant office lease in the capital in recent years, and will serve as the catalyst for a comprehensive repositioning of one of Washington's most distinguished office addresses.

Under the terms of the agreement, White & Case will occupy approximately 196,000 square feet across 12 floors of the building, representing approximately 94 percent of the building's total office space.

The transaction arrives at a pivotal moment for the D.C. office market, as JLL research indicates law firms are now the single largest demand driver. To date in 2026, they have accounted for nearly 30 percent of all office space leased and expanded their footprints by an average of 11 percent year-over-year. That appetite for best-in-class space shows no signs of slowing, while the supply of genuinely high-quality product remains acutely constrained. Against that backdrop, 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, one of Washington's most prominent office addresses, situated steps from the White House, is poised to emerge as one of the capital's defining office destinations.

White & Case’s Washington, D.C. offering is a cornerstone of the Firm’s global network, delivering comprehensive legal services to multinational corporations, financial institutions and sovereigns worldwide.

“We’re pleased to reaffirm our long-term commitment to Washington, D.C. with this landmark lease that reflects strong client demand and a continued investment in our people,” said Hansel Pham, Office Executive Partner, White & Case. “This modernized space will be designed to foster collaboration and enable our lawyers and business services professionals to act as true connectors to our global network, to bring the full strength of our Firm to clients. Our presence in Washington, D.C. is critical and this move underscores our confidence in the opportunities ahead.”

“In today's demanding real estate environment, transactions of this scale require exceptional partnership and commitment,” said Bobby Blair, Vice Chairman, JLL. “The collaboration to reimagine 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue exemplifies White & Case's strategic investment in its DC presence and Grosvenor’s expertise in delivering a bespoke and innovative workplace in the nation's capital's most coveted business address.”

In connection with the lease, a comprehensive capital program to reposition the building to superior standard will be undertaken over the coming 24 months. The scope of works includes full exterior window replacement, elevator modernization, construction of a new structural rooftop and penthouse amenity, lobby and common area enhancement, HVAC upgrades and a new fitness centre. The building’s renovation will be completed by November 2028, ahead of White & Case’s planned move in by December 2029.

Mark Purdy, Executive Vice President, Investment at Grosvenor, “believes 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue has always had the bones of a great building on one of Washington's most iconic corridors – a remarkable address in an unmatched location. This transaction gives the opportunity to realize that potential fully. With White & Case as the long-term tenant and a comprehensive renovation program, the delivery of this remarkable asset will set a new standard for the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor. I am enormously proud of the team that made this happen.”

The renovation will fundamentally transform 1701 Penn into a best-in-class asset befitting its address and its anchor tenant, elevating its place on the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor and within Washington's increasingly competitive office landscape.

JLL’s Bobby Blair and Greg McCavera represented White & Case in the transaction, while Cushman & Wakefield’s John Skolnik and Michael Katcher represented Grosvenor.

Located at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 17^th Street NW, 1701 Penn occupies one of Washington's most distinguished office addresses, within blocks of the White House and Lafayette Square and well-served by public transportation. Following the completion of Grosvenor's capital program, the property will offer approximately 208,000 square feet of premium, high-quality office space in the heart of the capital.

White & Case is a leading global law firm with lawyers in 43 offices across 29 countries. Among the first US-based law firms to establish a truly global presence, we provide counsel and representation in virtually every area of law that affects cross-border business. Our clients value both the breadth of our global network and the depth of our US, English and local law capabilities in each of our regions and rely on us for their complex cross-border transactions, as well as their representation in arbitration and litigation proceedings.

Grosvenor is an international organisation whose activities span urban property, food and agtech, rural estate management and support for philanthropic initiatives.

We develop, manage and invest to improve property and places across many of the world’s leading cities. In the food and agtech sector our growing investment portfolio includes some of the industry’s most innovative businesses working towards a better food system. We manage rural estates and their environmentally sensitive habitats, while supporting charitable initiatives targeted at vulnerable young people.

We are a values-led organisation which represents the Grosvenor family and shares a common purpose – to deliver lasting commercial, social and environmental benefit – addressing today’s needs while taking responsibility for those of future generations.