Vela stands is a pioneering mixed-income residential community in Washington’s vibrant and ever-evolving Navy Yard neighborhood, offering both affordable and luxury apartments options.

The 379-unit building includes one- and two-bedroom apartments, penthouses, and townhome-style lofts, with 76 units set aside for residents earning up to 50 percent of the area’s median income. The ground floor features 16,000 sf of retail space that adds to the neighborhood experience.

Drawing inspiration from “hygge,” the Danish concept of holistic wellness through intentional design, Vela offers many fitness- and wellness-driven amenities. The landmark Fjord Fitness Center, set within a striking double-height bridge visible from the street, stretches 100 feet across the courtyard with a rooftop pool deck overlooking Yards Place. A glass-enclosed staircase links communal spaces throughout the building, encouraging a sense of community while preserving visual connections.

At the center of Vela sits a 15,000 sf planted courtyard which serves as both a biophilic retreat and an innovative stormwater management system. Runoff is filtered through specialized bioretention soil where plants naturally process water, nutrients, and pollutants—significantly improve water quality before it enters municipal systems.

The development also reflects a forward-thinking approach to climate resilience: the ground floor sits well above the 500-year floodplain, while critical utility infrastructure occupies the second level, protecting against sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Between its affordability, sustainability, and standout design, Vela sets a high bar for future development in Navy Yard.