Onyx on First

Onyx on First is a modern residential high-rise in Capitol Riverfront with a glass and steel exterior that stretches to 130 feet tall. The 14-story building contains 266 apartments and offers four levels of underground parking for residents.

Construction began in October 2006 after older structures were demolished and the building was completed in August 2008. Residents first moved in during 2009, marking the start of a larger renewal of the neighborhood.

The building is part of Capitol Riverfront's transformation from an industrial zone into a residential neighborhood that draws people back to the water's edge. It shows how Washington grew as a place where people chose to live rather than just work or visit.

The building is located at 1100 1st Street Southeast with easy access to public transportation and the riverfront path. Visitors can view the modern architecture from the street and explore the surrounding waterfront area.

The project came from a partnership between Faison and the Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund with architectural design by Esocoff & Associates. This collaboration represented an early approach to bringing mixed investment strategies to downtown renewal in Washington.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 2008

Floors above the ground: 14

GPS coordinates: 38.87730,-77.00540

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:59