ASHBURN, Va. — As the internet of things continues to expand, developers of what will be the region’s first built-from-the-ground-up “smart city” are tapping-into a powerful resource, which helps the government keep running.
The 16.8 acre Gramercy District is being built at the future Ashburn Metro station on the Silver Line.
The project’s goal is to merge technology with real estate, in an environment that is able to adapt to the people who live, work, and play there.
By “baking-in” technology, as the residential, retail, office, hotel, entertainment and high-tech business center is built, residents and visitors can benefit, according to 22 Capital Partners, the venture builder and private equity company behind the Gramercy District project.
For instance, a smartphone user could be notified of nearby bargains, news and activities while in the district.
With heavyweight partners including Microsoft, Avaya, George Washington University and Center for Innovative Technology, the project will be built in phases.
The first phase will include 268-unit residential luxury apartments, as well as ground floor retail. It is expected to be complete in 2019.
Subsequent phases will include a 250-room hotel, as well as office buildings.
One of the goals of the smart city is to be able to replicate it in different locations — what the developers call “The 22 CityLink Smart City in a Box Platform.”
The group has selected FedBid, Inc. — an online marketplace for federal, state and local governments, and educational institution — to run its technology platform.
FedBid uses a reverse auction-based platform, to make it easier for institutions to buy simple goods and services, such as IT products, office supplies and lab equipment.
“By taking proven, industry-leading supply chain and procurement practices that drive efficiency in purchasing, while also reducing costs and applying them to modern development projects like Gramercy District, it is possible to dramatically increase the return on investment of any real estate development,” said Minh Le, managing partner of 22 Capital Partners.
“We are creating a replicable process for effective and efficient procurement.”
Ted Leonsis, majority owner of the group that owns the Washington Capitals, Wizards and other teams, in addition to the Verizon Center, is an investor in FedBid.
“FedBid revolutionized the way the federal government buys goods and services and this partnership will help set the standard for the development of future smart cities,” Leonsis said in a statement.
