The parcel where 1221 Van stands was once a much frequented gas station at the corner of South Capitol and N Streets that operated until late 2007. After ownership by Monument Realty and Lehman Brothers, the site was purchased by the JBG Companies, now JBG Smith, in 2014, and it later hosted a popular barbecue pop-up before construction began in 2016. 1221 Van opened in early 2018 with 291 luxury units, ground-floor retail space, and a rooftop with views into Nationals Park. JBG Smith is also developing the adjacent West Half building as part of the Capitol Riverfront's renaissance.