By Jonathan O’Connell December 22 at 12:30 PM
Fannie Mae officials have decided to consolidate the organization’s headquarters into offices at 555 12th St. NW, a downtown building set to be vacated by the law firm Arnold & Porter in the fall of 2015.

Fannie chose the location over Capitol Crossing and a building planned by Carr Properties to replace the current Washington Post headquarters on 15th Street.

The decision was disclosed by two sources who spoke anonymously because they signed non-disclosure agreements. Both sources cautioned that final leasing documents still need to be completed.

Prompted by expiring leases at two of its Washington buildings, Fannie Mae announced plans over the summer to sell its headquarters buildings on Wisconsin Avenue NW and consolidate employees to a single location in D.C.

The housing finance organization’s interest in moving downtown despite the looming possibility that it could be reorganized has drawn criticism from some lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

Fannie Mae issued a statement saying that it was “approaching the end of our process, but we have not yet signed a lease.”

“As we continue this process, we remain focused on making responsible real estate decisions that will use resources wisely, ensure the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae’s operations, and give us the flexibility to adapt to changes in our future workplace needs,” the organization said.

Met Life, which purchased the 782,000-square-foot building with Norwegian investment bank Norges Bank for $505 million almost a year ago, did not immediately return a request for comment.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/digger/wp/2014/12/22/fannie-mae-said-to-settle-on-new-headquarters-at-555-12th-street/