The concept comes from Mike and John Burns, also known as The Burns Brothers. This sibling duo understands the need for a safe respite among a like-minded community all too well, especially after quarantine due to the pandemic completely changing work and office culture. The brothers left successful careers—Mike as a corporate executive and John as a law firm partner—to create The Burns Brothers, a family of culture-focused companies dedicated to creating a more inclusive world, a more dedicated extension of their previous work. HQ DC House is just one of eight brands in an ever-expanding portfolio that aims to develop safe environments for people of color through various channels and industries. 

For the Burns Brothers team, HQ DC House is the physical culmination of their efforts. That’s why they sought Black and brown-owned and led businesses to join the endeavor when it came to creating the space. These businesses and leaders include real estate broker LaMean Koroma with Cresa, Chef Eric Tyson of Tres Creole Catering, Charese John of Revive Events and Catering, Whitney Stringer of Whitney Stringer PR & Events, Ashley Mason-Greene of Evergreene Group public relations agency, and Jimmie Drummond of Drummond Projects design studio.

“We wanted a space that felt like a home,” says John. “So that’s why each part of the house feels different but still comfortable, welcoming, and elevated. Jimmie and his team did a beautiful job bringing our vision to life.”

John Burns

Nestled downtown in the city’s Penn Quarter neighborhood, HQ DC House is centrally located at 600 F Street NW, in the historic Oriental Building Association Building No. 6. The building was initially constructed in 1910 and designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. It was redeveloped in 2012, and the charming building houses modern innovations and luxuries catering to an underserved community of new thought leaders, innovators, and creators who want to connect, disconnect, and socialize. 

HQ DC House is divided into three distinct spaces: The House Lounge, The Retreat, and The Penthouse. Each floor of the 10,000 sq. ft. space is defined by its style. The House Lounge serves as HQ DC House member’s primary refuge with flexible seating areas, a bar area, and a conference room that holds up to 10 people. The Retreat on the 4th floor offers elevated office amenities in a tranquil environment. The Retreat is also home to a barista bar, where daily, members can enjoy artisan coffee drinks and pastries provided by Tres Creole Catering on the house, which is the standard at HQ—all food and beverage at the club comes complimentary with membership. The Retreat will also serve as the dedicated wellness space at HQ DC House, where members can partake in various health and fitness classes. HQ DC House’s top floor, The Penthouse, is cloaked in natural light, showcasing incredible views of downtown Washington D.C. and a 16 ft. state-of-the-art LED video wall, perfect for other viewings, whether it’s movie night at HQ, or for marketing at private events. The Penthouse also holds another conference room that caters to up to 10 people. 

A curated community, serene space, and complimentary food and drinks are just three perks of membership at HQ DC House. Additionally, members can bring up to 8 guests per month, utilize a weekday chauffeur within a 3-mile radius of the club, and have access to up to 15 exclusive monthly events. 

HQ DC House is now accepting membership applications. The housing official opens Saturday, April 1, at 600 F Street NW, in the Penn Quarter downtown neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, follow @hq.dc.house and or visit www.hq-dc.com.