05/29/2026
We are still extremely honored that the Washington Business Journal chose as the backdrop for their Diversity in Business Awards photoshoot. 📸Abdullah Konte
From the pages of WBJ
Step off the elevator on the penthouse floor of Hyatt House on O Street in Northwest D.C. and you’ll find yourself immersed in a space full of moody lighting, rich textures and pops of animal prints. You’ll also find a DJ booth in the back corner, ready for the next “Thursday Throwback” party.
Then there’s the open roof deck with a full view of the D.C. skyline — arguably the space’s biggest attraction — which has been known to create hours-long waits when the weather is just right.
You’ve just entered Realm, the backdrop behind all of the portraits featured in this special publication. The 157-seat rooftop bar and lounge is owned by Evens Charles, founder and CEO of Frontier Development & Hospitality Group LLC, a 2026 Diversity in Business Awards honoree.
Frontier bought the Hyatt House, formerly a Cambria Suites, in 2024 and repositioned it as a 184-room hotel in 2025. Charles then debuted Realm in October after successfully converting the space from its former function as a fitness center and indoor pool, which had been shuttered since the start of Covid.
“The demand for pools at downtown D.C. hotels is not strong whereas a gathering space for corporate and social events with panoramic views of the D.C. skyline would be far more receptive of our hotel guests,” Charles said.
Hospitality branding firm Endurance Management Group led the design of Realm’s 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space; a new fitness center opened on the second floor as part of the repositioning.
See you there this weekend?
