Society of American Florists finds a new home in Alexandria

A national trade association representing the U.S. floral industry has found a new home in Old Town Alexandria.

The Society of American Florists (SAF) had owned its headquarters at 1601 Duke St. in Alexandria for more than three decades, according to West, Lane & Schlager Realty Advisors LLC (WLS), which brokered the sale of the building and the purchase of a new space for the organization.

SAF sold its 11,000-square-foot property on Duke Street to the Vinci School for $4.7 million. Then it purchased a 9,385-square-foot condominium at 1001 N. Fairfax St. for $2.3 million.

WLS Principal Matt Levin and Assistant Vice Presidents Andrew Genova and Clark Turner negotiated on behalf of SAF, which has 6,000 members across the country.

According to WLS, the society’s relocation will reduce its overall average annual occupancy expenses.  “Our client had an opportunity to improve its real estate position, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so,” Genova said.

The building at 1001 N. Fairfax St. is more modern than its previous home and has a more efficient design. “A key factor is that our client now occupies office space on one floor, which allows for improved collaboration among employees,” Genova said.