The Power of Partnership: A CREW DC Member to Member Success Story
For Catherine Heath and Jane Mahaffie, a casual connection at a CREW DC golf tournament became the catalyst for one of Washington, D.C.’s most significant recent office deals, the Crowell & Moring headquarters at 600 5th Street NW (co-developed by Rockefeller Group and Stonebridge).
While the relationship between the two had developed over time through CREW events, it was that day on the course that brought Heath’s expertise to the forefront. As Mahaffie recalls, “It was a great connection because she came to the forefront of my mind, which is exactly the reason for CREW membership—to keep bumping into people and reminding you of what they do.” Heath echoed this by saying “CREW creates long term relationships and opportunities to know and trust people through participation in events and leadership roles.”
That connection proved pivotal. At the time, Mahaffie and her team were tackling a highly complex redevelopment—transforming a former WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) owned building constructed directly above an active Metro line into a competitive, modern office environment. The building’s constraints, from its deep floor plates to structural limitations tied to the rail system below, required creative problem-solving and specialized expertise.
Recognizing a gap, Mahaffie brought Heath in to advise on designing for high-intensity tenants like law firms. Heath’s early involvement helped reshape the building’s core, amenities, and overall flexibility, ultimately positioning it to attract Crowell & Moring as the anchor tenant. Heath’s team at Perkins&Will designed the building amenity spaces, as well as Crowell & Moring’s offices.
The deal itself was remarkable not only for its complexity, a 99-year ground lease paired with a major anchor lease, but also for its timing. Completed during a challenging office market, it became the largest private-sector lease in D.C. since 2019 and a major milestone in the city’s post-pandemic recovery.
Equally notable was the team behind it. From the earliest negotiations, women led the effort across ownership, legal, and development roles. “It was probably the first time in my career… that the major negotiating team were all women,” Mahaffie shared. “That was a really exciting experience.”
That intentional collaboration extended throughout the project, ultimately engaging 19 CREW members from five chapters across disciplines, and garnering the 2025 CREW Network Member to Member Impact Award. Women also led the building amenity and anchor tenant teams, including the design, furnishings, and construction.
For Mahaffie, the project also reinforced an important lesson for others in the industry: “If you see a deal you like, don’t be afraid to bring someone else into it… create a partnership that really promotes both your attributes.”
In the end, the success of 600 5th Street is more than a landmark transaction—it is a testament to the power of relationships, the strength of collaboration, and the tangible impact of CREW’s member-to-member network.
CREW DC members involved in this deal
Perkins&Will
Mahaffie Consulting
Additional members involved in this deal:
Amy Rifkind, Arnold & Porter, Legal, CREW DC, Attorney for Ground Lease
Jennifer Perkins, Arnold & Porter, Legal, CREW DC, Attorney for Tenant Lease
Emily Eppolito, CBRE, Brokerage, CREW DC, Broker for Building Owner
Melanie Robins, MOII, Furniture dealer, CREW DC, Furniture dealer for building common areas
Carissa Gavin, Perkins&Will, CREW DC, Interior architect for building common areas
Devan Perry, Rockefeller Group, Development, CREW DC (2024), Building owner
Brandi Hanback, Rockefeller Group, Development, CREW Baltimore, Building owner
Stephanie Duncan, Stonebridge (retired), Development, CREW DC, Building owner, COO
Nina Albert, WMATA- now Deputy Mayor, DC Government, CREW DC (2024), Landowner
Nia Rubin, WMATA, Development, CREW DC, Landowner
Suzi Danziger, Clark, now with Davis Construction, CREW DC (2024), Pre-construction team for building
Whitney Loke, Perkins&Will, Architecture, CREW DC, Architect for Tenant
Lauren Otto, Perkins&Will, Architecture, CREW Seattle, Architect for Tenant
Patrick Hayes, Evenson Best, Furniture Dealer, CREW DC, Furniture Dealer for Tenant
Linda Rabbitt, Rand Construction, Construction, CREW DC, Contractor for Tenant
Alexis Kurtz, Cerami, Acoustic Engineering, CREW Northern Virginia, Acoustic Engineer for Tenant
Marie Davis, Nolan Brands, Furniture Representative, CREW DC, Furniture Manufacturer Rep for Tenant
Hannah Breed, Studio Manager
Hannah Breed is a civil engineering project manager and studio manager at Urban Design Partners with more than 10 years of experience with land development projects throughout the Carolinas. She has a proven track record of successful projects varying in size and scope from small urban infill to large single-family communities. Hannah has been an active member of CREW Charlotte for over 8 years where she has served in various leadership roles, including being a board member from 2024-2025. She received the CREW Charlotte Emerging Leader Award in 2024 and is looking forward to serving CREW Charlotte and CREW Network for years to come.
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