I've seen a lot of folks recommend St. Anselm, but I've never really gotten the hype. Maybe that's just me.

Check out chicken and whiskey for whiskey (Navy Yard) and Albi for dinner. I think that may be the combo you're looking for.

There's also a pic on that site from the roof in 2017. So it was finished over 5 years ago, but that's splitting hairs. When I toured it back in 2019/2020, it already felt worn.

It's older than 4 years, and when you build quickly and cheaply, and don't maintain the building, it ages quickly. Just giving my opinion since I've toured almost every building in Navy Yard and lived in a couple.

I would strongly recommend against Novel. It's not that nice but is priced on the higher side of Navy Yard. Illume is nice but shares its gym with the hotel and is adjacent to the highway. Crossing is fine. some units may have a bit of a weird layout.

Of the ones you mentioned, 1221 Vann is the oldest building and is a bit dated. West half is nice if you like industrial and don't mind noise (stadium and bullpen). Dock 79 is a bit older but from what I've seen well maintained. Right next door is the Maren which is their new property and gets better light.

Just go to the Reagan building. They take walk-ins.