Capital Business Blog - Fresh takes on the region's entrepreneurs and companies.

Posted at 10:06 AM ET, 06/13/2013

Metro deal would allow new apartments, offices, hotels at College Park station near University of Maryland

By Jonathan O'Connell

With Washington real estate back on the upswing Metro’s real estate team has revived the old project.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 10:06 AM ET, 06/13/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Metro, College Park, University of Maryland, commercial real estate

Posted at 04:40 PM ET, 06/07/2013

Arlington County official blasts GSA decision to move National Science Foundation to Alexandria

By Jonathan O'Connell

County Manager Donnellan asks that the GSA “continue negotiations” so that Arlington can be reconsidered.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 04:40 PM ET, 06/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: General Services Administration, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, Arlington County, commercial real estate

Posted at 01:02 PM ET, 06/07/2013

National Science Foundation headquarters to move to Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria

By Jonathan O'Connell

Federal government says 15-year lease will save $65 million over staying in Ballston.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 01:02 PM ET, 06/07/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: The National Science Foundation, Hoffman Town Center, Alexandria, Arlington, William D. Euille, General Services Administration, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:12 PM ET, 06/06/2013

Details of Trump deal with GSA for Old Post Office

By Jonathan O'Connell

Deal for 60-year lease with GSA could have hotel open by 2016.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:12 PM ET, 06/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Old Post Office, General Services Adminstration, commercial real estate

Posted at 06:30 PM ET, 05/29/2013

Gwen Wright named director of planning for Montgomery County

By Jonathan O'Connell

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:30 PM ET, 05/29/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Montgomery County, Gwen Wright, Alexandria, commercial real estate

Posted at 01:27 PM ET, 05/22/2013

Nuclear Regulatory Commission acknowledges leasing too much space in White Flint

By Jonathan O'Connell

Building in White Flint still largely unoccupied months after nuclear agency began $350 million lease.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 01:27 PM ET, 05/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Nuclear Regulatory Commission, White Flint, General Services Administration, commercial real estate

Posted at 06:40 PM ET, 05/21/2013

National Labor College considering sale of White Oak campus to Reid Temple church, housing group

By Jonathan O'Connell

Reid Temple church, affordable housing group picked as likely buyer of White Oak campus.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:40 PM ET, 05/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: National Labor College, Reid Temple, Georgetown University, commercial real estate

Posted at 04:57 PM ET, 05/21/2013

D.C. government sues Department of Labor over CityCenterDC wages

By Jonathan O'Connell

District attorney general sues Labor Dept., says project should not be subject to Davis-Bacon Act.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 04:57 PM ET, 05/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: CityCenterDC, Davis-Bacon, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:53 PM ET, 05/20/2013

Private equity giant Blackstone buys $241.5 million in Washington-area industrial properties

By Jonathan O'Connell

The purchase is part of a sell-off of local property by Bethesda-based First Potomac Realty Trust.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:53 PM ET, 05/20/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: First Potomac Realty Trust, Blackstone, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:36 PM ET, 05/14/2013

Regal Cinemas, Harris Teeter agree to open at former Laurel Mall

By Jonathan O'Connell

Regal Cinemas, Harris Teeter sign on to open in planned Towne Centre Laurel.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:36 PM ET, 05/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Laurel, malls, commercial real estate

Posted at 11:21 AM ET, 05/13/2013

National Cathedral, Mount Vernon win $100,000 through social media contest

By Jonathan O'Connell

Through social media contest, 24 local properties win money for historic preservation projects

By Jonathan O'Connell | 11:21 AM ET, 05/13/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: National Cathedral, historic preservation, commercial real estate

Posted at 03:24 PM ET, 05/06/2013

Gov. McDonnell, under watch by the FBI, invites it to relocate to Springfield

By Jonathan O'Connell

McDonnell suggests GSA-owned warehouse makes most sense for FBI as it mulls move

By Jonathan O'Connell | 03:24 PM ET, 05/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Bob McDonnell, FBI, GSA, commercial real estate, Fairfax County

Posted at 02:17 PM ET, 05/01/2013

Penn Branch Shopping Center headed to foreclosure

By Jonathan O'Connell

Developer worked with community to plan overhaul of shopping center.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 02:17 PM ET, 05/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: ICG Properties, JBG, Vincent C. Gray, commercial real estate

Posted at 03:12 PM ET, 04/30/2013

Wal-Mart invites local business to join it on Georgia Avenue

By Jonathan O'Connell

Georgia Avenue store, under construction, include 1,800 square feet for a local retailer.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 03:12 PM ET, 04/30/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Wal-Mart, Vincent Gray, commercial real estate

Posted at 05:53 PM ET, 04/25/2013

GSA plans to sell Southeast warehouse where residents want “Half Street Market”

By Jonathan O'Connell

Once used by Joint Chiefs of staff, neighbors would like SE D.C. warehouse to be used for food market, job training.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:53 PM ET, 04/25/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: GSA, John Mica, Eleanor Holmes Norton, commercial real estate

Posted at 03:54 PM ET, 04/24/2013

The Tysons Corner Wal-Mart has a sculpture in front of it called ‘The Thought’

By Jonathan O'Connell

Builder of Tysons Walmart adds metal sculpture, “The Thought,” out front

By Jonathan O'Connell | 03:54 PM ET, 04/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Tysons Corner, Walmart, Fairfax County, JBG, commercial real estate

Posted at 01:03 PM ET, 04/24/2013

Trump’s design for Old Post Office earns early approval

By Jonathan O'Connell

U.S. Commission of Fine Arts supports project, with minor suggestions.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 01:03 PM ET, 04/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Old Post Office, GSA, commercial real estate

Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 04/22/2013

Strathmore plans to open small music venue in White Flint

By Jonathan O'Connell

Founder Eliot Pfanstiehl plans 250-seat music hall, wants to reach new audiences.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 03:45 PM ET, 04/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Strathmore, White Flint, Federal Realty Investment Trust, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:47 PM ET, 04/22/2013

Top official for D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray optimistic about D.C. United stadium deal

By Jonathan O'Connell

D.C. official says discussions are progressing that would put a new soccer stadium at Buzzard Point in Southwest Washington.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:47 PM ET, 04/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: D.C. United, Allen Lew, Vincent C. Gray, Akridge, commercial real estate

Posted at 06:09 PM ET, 04/16/2013

Tanger Outlets planned for Ten Mile Creek, but environmental questions linger

By Jonathan O'Connell

An upscale outlet center is planned for a 100-acre property in Clarksburg, but the project faces major hurdles.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:09 PM ET, 04/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Tanger Oulets, National Harbor, Clarksburg, Peterson Companies, commercial real estate

Posted at 05:43 PM ET, 04/10/2013

President Obama proposes $367 million for DHS consolidation at St. Elizabeths

By Jonathan O'Connell

The funds would give boost to languishing Southeast D.C. project.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:43 PM ET, 04/10/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: St. Elizabeths, budget, GSA, commercial real estate, Vincent C. Gray

Posted at 12:41 PM ET, 04/10/2013

Donald Trump says deal is close for Old Post Office Pavilion

By Jonathan O'Connell

Trump said his real estate company is now “weeks away” from wrapping up a lease agreement with the government that would allow him to transform the property into a hotel.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:41 PM ET, 04/10/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, GSA, commercial real estate

Posted at 04:06 PM ET, 04/09/2013

Developer releases redevelopment plan for Landmark Mall

By Jonathan O'Connell

Sears and Macy’s would remain in business, but the mall’s dated interior would be replaced with an outdoor promenade.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 04:06 PM ET, 04/09/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Landmark Mall, Alexandria, commercial real estate

Posted at 05:07 PM ET, 03/29/2013

D.C. issued $400,000 loan for failed Metro project

By Jonathan O'Connell

Banneker Ventures is stuck repaying a D.C. Housing Finance Agency loan that it took out despite having never acquired the land.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:07 PM ET, 03/29/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Banneker Ventures, Jim Graham, Metro, commercial real estate

Posted at 10:42 AM ET, 03/22/2013

Washington Post Co. hires architecture firm Gensler to design new offices

By Jonathan O'Connell

Gensler is assisting the Post with how best to configure its work space.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 10:42 AM ET, 03/22/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Washington Post, New York Times, Gensler, commercial real estate

Posted at 10:50 AM ET, 03/21/2013

Former Walter Reed hospital sparks interest from nine developers interested in building town center

By Jonathan O'Connell

Nine development teams answer Mayor Gray’s call for private partners.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 10:50 AM ET, 03/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Vincent C. Gray, Walter Reed, commercial real estate

Posted at 05:31 PM ET, 03/15/2013

McLean developer Rappaport Cos. lands $600 million investment from Principal Financial Group

By Jonathan O'Connell

Principal Financial Group has made a commitment to a local shopping center with developer the Rappaport Cos.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:31 PM ET, 03/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Rappaport Cos, retail, commercial real estate

Posted at 06:43 PM ET, 03/13/2013

House representatives jockey for FBI headquarters at hearing

By Jonathan O'Connell

GSA officials are evaluating 35 ideas for how they might trade the J. Edgar Hoover Building for a new location.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:43 PM ET, 03/13/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: FBI, GSA, commercial real estate

Posted at 06:41 PM ET, 03/08/2013

Potomac Shores developer touts land swap experience in pursuing FBI for Prince William County

By Jonathan O'Connell

SunCal built facilities in California for U.S. Army Reserve in exchange for land.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:41 PM ET, 03/08/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Potomac Shores, Prince William County, FBI, GSA, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:33 PM ET, 03/06/2013

GSA receives 35 proposals for FBI headquarters

By Jonathan O'Connell

The GSA has not released details of the responses, but they include proposals from landowners, developers and local governments.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:33 PM ET, 03/06/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: FBI, GSA, commercial real estate

Posted at 01:15 PM ET, 03/05/2013

GSA receives 10 responses for proposed redevelopment of Federal Triangle South

By Jonathan O'Connell

GSA’s acting administrator, has floated the idea of selling or trading some of the property in exchange for new buildings or building services.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 01:15 PM ET, 03/05/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: GSA, Federal Triangle South, FBI, commercial real estate

Posted at 01:36 PM ET, 02/28/2013

Hines buys Archstone stake in CityCenterDC

By Jonathan O'Connell

Acquisition is part of larger sale of developer Archstone to AvalonBay and Equity Residential

By Jonathan O'Connell | 01:36 PM ET, 02/28/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Hines, Archstone, CityCenterDC, AvalonBay, commercial real estate

Posted at 07:10 PM ET, 02/26/2013

Prince George’s County leaders back Greenbelt for FBI headquarters relocation

By Jonathan O'Connell

County Executive Rushern Baker wants to bring the FBI to the Greenbelt Metro station.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 07:10 PM ET, 02/26/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: FBI, GSA, Rushern Baker, commercial real estate

Posted at 05:57 PM ET, 02/26/2013

WorkSpaces moves to close offices; backs out of lease

By Jonathan O'Connell

District-based workplace consultant has also backed out of lease in Wonder Bread building.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:57 PM ET, 02/26/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Workspaces, Douglas Development, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:25 PM ET, 02/21/2013

Sources: Mayor to propose relocating FBI headquarters to Poplar Point in Southeast D.C.

By Jonathan O'Connell

The proposed location is Poplar Point, which lies between Interstate 295 and the Anacostia River.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:25 PM ET, 02/21/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: FBI, GSA, Poplar Point, Vincent C. Gray, commercial real estate

Posted at 01:04 PM ET, 02/12/2013

Hilton said to be in talks for CityCenterDC hotel

By Jonathan O'Connell

Sources said the company is negotiating to build a Conrad hotel, one of its luxury brand that has so far focused on global markets.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 01:04 PM ET, 02/12/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Hilton Worldwide, CityCenterDC, Christopher J. Nassetta, commercial real estate, Hines

Posted at 01:49 PM ET, 02/01/2013

Weymouth gave D.C. mayor advance notice of possible Washington Post headquarters relocation

By Jonathan O'Connell

Gray instructed staff to considering how best to accommodate The Washington Post and make sure the company remains in the District.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 01:49 PM ET, 02/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Washington Post, media, commercial real estate

Posted at 09:07 AM ET, 02/01/2013

Katharine Weymouth’s statement on possible Washington Post relocation

By Jonathan O'Connell

Here is the text of Washington Post Publisher Katharine Weymouth’s e-mail to employees about the company’s possible relocation.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 09:07 AM ET, 02/01/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Washington Post, media, commercial real estate

Posted at 05:40 PM ET, 01/24/2013

Only one developer shows interest in Hill East project

By Jonathan O'Connell

Few developer searches in the District — currently one of the county’s hottest apartment markets — return such a slim response.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:40 PM ET, 01/24/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Hill East, Vincent C. Gray, Donatelli Development, commercial real estate

Posted at 05:38 PM ET, 01/23/2013

In two hours, crowdfunding effort draws $308,000 of interest in 7th Street building

By Jonathan O'Connell

130 people logged in to the company’s Web site expressing interest in buying stakes in a two-story building east of Logan Circle.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:38 PM ET, 01/23/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Fundrise, crowdfunding, Herb Miller, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:34 PM ET, 01/16/2013

Rep. Lou Barletta to oversee General Services Administration as subcommittee chairman

By Jonathan O'Connell

Pennsylvania Republican Lou Barletta to take gavel for House subcommittee.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:34 PM ET, 01/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: General Services Administration, commercial real estate

Posted at 11:38 AM ET, 01/16/2013

Magruder’s Supermarkets in talks to sell chain

By Jonathan O'Connell

Magruder’s Supermarkets announced that it had sold its store on Connecticut Avenue and is in negotiations to sell its four other remaining stores.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 11:38 AM ET, 01/16/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Magruder's Supermarkets, retail, commercial real estate

Posted at 05:59 PM ET, 01/15/2013

Adventist HealthCare is negotiating a deal to sell 40 acres in Clarksburg

By Jonathan O'Connell

It once envisioned the land would be used for a hospital and medical campus.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:59 PM ET, 01/15/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Adventist HealthCare, Simon Property Group, Peterson Cos., commercial real estate

Posted at 06:08 PM ET, 01/14/2013

Virginia officials consider their best sites for the FBI

By Jonathan O'Connell

Sites near Quantico, Potomac Shores and Dulles airport are among those being discussed.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:08 PM ET, 01/14/2013 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: FBI, GSA, commercial real estate, Mark Warner, Tim Kaine

Posted at 10:49 AM ET, 12/18/2012

Sodexo to keep 567 jobs in Gaithersburg

By Jonathan O'Connell

After months of considering other locations in the region, the on-site food services company will stay put.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 10:49 AM ET, 12/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Sodexo, Montgomery County, Gov. Martin O’Malley, commercial real estate, Gaithersburg

Posted at 10:53 AM ET, 12/17/2012

Auction date set for West Heating Plant in Georgetown

By Jonathan O'Connell

The General Services Administration will hold an online auction set to begin Jan. 18.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 10:53 AM ET, 12/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: West Heating Plant, Georgetown, GSA, commercial real estate

Posted at 02:35 PM ET, 12/13/2012

Washington office building sells for record $734 million

By Jonathan O'Connell

The figure is believed to be the highest price ever paid for a building in Washington.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 02:35 PM ET, 12/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Constitution Center, MetLife, Clarion Partners, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Housing Finance Agency, commercial real estate

Posted at 04:55 PM ET, 12/11/2012

Dan M. Tangherlini on the Hoover Building, Old Post Office, and more

By Jonathan O'Connell

The head of the GSA chats about some of Washington’s biggest current and future redevelopment projects.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 04:55 PM ET, 12/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Latest | Tags: Dan Tangherlini, Federal Bureau of Investigation, General Services Administration, Federal Triangle South, commercial real estate

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 12/03/2012

GSA proposes trading Hoover Building for new FBI campus

By Jonathan O'Connell

The GSA outlined the proposal as it launched a search for private development partners for federal land in downtown Washington.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 11:01 AM ET, 12/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Hoover Building, FBI, Federal Triangle South, GSA, commercial real estate

Posted at 02:35 PM ET, 11/21/2012

Intelsat could be moving to Tysons Corner

By Jonathan O’Connell

District company likely to have new home in office project being developed by Macerich.

By Jonathan O’Connell | 02:35 PM ET, 11/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Intelsat, Macerich, Tysons Corner, Fairfax County, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:02 PM ET, 11/20/2012

Escalator proposal for Union Station’s Main Hall stirs controversy

By Jonathan O'Connell

A short-term plan to remake Union Station’s Main Hall may be running afoul of a new long-term vision for an expansion of the station.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:02 PM ET, 11/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Union Station, Union Station Redevelopment Corporation, Ashkenazy Acquisition, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Amtrak, commercial real estate, retail, historic preservation

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/15/2012

Futuristic animations of the D.C. Wal-Mart stores

By Jonathan O'Connell

A peek at what each of the mega-retailer’s District outposts will look like.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:00 AM ET, 11/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Wal-Mart, commercial real estate, retail

Posted at 06:00 AM ET, 11/14/2012

D.C. school closures likely to spark interest from commercial real estate industry

By Jonathan O'Connell

Although the buildings may stay under DCPS’ control, real estate discussions are likely.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:00 AM ET, 11/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Vincet C. Gray, Kaya Henderson, Adrian Fenty, Michelle Rhee, schools, commercial real estate

Posted at 04:45 PM ET, 11/01/2012

In about-face, Barnes & Noble agrees to remain open at Union Station

By Jonathan O'Connell

Twenty-four hours after saying it planned to close its store in Union Station at the end of the year, a company spokeswoman said that the company has received and accepted a one-year extension from its landlord.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 04:45 PM ET, 11/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Barnes & Noble, Union Station, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:27 PM ET, 11/01/2012

National Harbor developer pulls out of Rock Spring Centre project in Bethesda

By Jonathan O'Connell

Peterson Cos. said it could not reach agreement on lease with the two families who own the 53-acre site.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:27 PM ET, 11/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Peterson Cos., National Harbor, Rock Spring Centre, Bethesda, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:51 PM ET, 10/26/2012

Without adding windows, what is the West Heating Plant worth?

By Jonathan O'Connell

The issue is paramount to the value of the Georgetown building because without them, re-using the building as a hotel, condo or apartment building becomes impossible.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:51 PM ET, 10/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: West Heating Plant, GSA, commercial real estate

Posted at 06:02 PM ET, 10/24/2012

CNN’s D.C. headquarters sells for $106 million

By Jonathan O'Connell

Harbor Group International is the new owner of the 11-story building at 820 First St. NE.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:02 PM ET, 10/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: CNN, Harbor Group International, NoMA, commercial real estate

Posted at 05:49 PM ET, 10/10/2012

NBC4 opening bureaus in Reston, Landover

By Jonathan O'Connell

The bureaus are part of an effort to expand coverage and should be open by January.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:49 PM ET, 10/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: NBC4 Washington, media, Prince George's County, Fairfax County, Reston, Landover, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:15 PM ET, 10/01/2012

Minor league baseball stadium headed to One Loudoun development in Ashburn

By Jonathan O'Connell

Owners of the Loudoun Hounds seal a deal to build a new stadium at a 358-acre planned community.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:15 PM ET, 10/01/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Loudoun Hounds, minor league baseball, Ashburn, Loudoun County, VIP Sports & Entertainment, Major League Soccer, commercial real estate, Kincora Village Center, Bob Farren, Miller & Smith, Sekisui House, commercial real estate

Posted at 03:34 PM ET, 09/28/2012

GSA proposes massive overhaul of Southwest office buildings into a new Federal Triangle South

By Jonathan O'Connell

Five buildings near the National Mall — some of them considered the most block-like properties downtown — could be subject to redevelopment.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 03:34 PM ET, 09/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Federal Triangle South, commercial real estate, General Services Administration, Federal Aviation Adminitration, Department of Energy, Old Post Office pavilion, Trump Organization, Donald Trump, Department of Homeland Security

Posted at 06:36 PM ET, 09/25/2012

Hilton hotel planned next to Gannett headquarters in Tysons Corner

By Jonathan O'Connell

MRP Realty plans to build a Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites on Jones Branch Drive in Tysons Corner.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:36 PM ET, 09/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: MRP Realty, Hilton, Tysons Corner, Metro, Silver Line, commercial real estate

Posted at 04:47 PM ET, 09/24/2012

Writing the story of the District’s revival

By Jonathan O'Connell

In the District, things could not be more different than they were 30 years ago. One of the groups that played a big role in its turnaround, the D.C. office of Local Initiatives Support Corp., is taking a look back.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 04:47 PM ET, 09/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Oramenta Newsome, economic development, Marion Barry, commercial real estate

Posted at 12:50 PM ET, 09/19/2012

Peterson Cos. buying National Harbor plot back from Disney for $11 million

By Jonathan O'Connell

Disney planned a resort hotel when it bought the National Harbor plot, but later pulled out of the project.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 12:50 PM ET, 09/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Peterson Cos., Milton Peterson, National Harbor, Walt Disney Co, Rushern Baker, Prince George's County, commercial real estate

Posted at 10:34 AM ET, 09/14/2012

NoMa to get $490,000 for park planning

By Jonathan O'Connell

The money would set the stage for a network of walking trails and small urban parks.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 10:34 AM ET, 09/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Vincent C. Gray, NoMa, parks, commercial real estate

Posted at 11:03 AM ET, 09/12/2012

Corcoran board picks CBRE to assess museum building, consider relocation

By Jonathan O'Connell

CBRE will evaluate the value of the Beaux-Arts building and possibly help the museum secure a new home elsewhere in the region.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 11:03 AM ET, 09/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Corcoran Gallery of Art, CBRE, commercial real estate, fine art

Posted at 04:53 PM ET, 09/07/2012

B.F. Saul III resigns as president of Saul Centers to start own venture

By Jonathan O'Connell and Thomas Heath

Descendant of one of the area’s most successful real estate magnates is leaving the firm that bears his name.

By Jonathan O'Connell and Thomas Heath | 04:53 PM ET, 09/07/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: B.F. Saul III, Saul Centers, B.F. Saul, commercial real estate

Posted at 04:34 PM ET, 08/30/2012

Metro names new planning, real estate officials to replace Nat Bottigheimer and Steven Goldin

By Jonathan O'Connell

The two executives will oversee planning and real estate development operations.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 04:34 PM ET, 08/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Metro, WMATA, Shyam Kannan, Stanley Wall, commercial real estate, transportation

Posted at 12:00 AM ET, 06/20/2012

GAO: Feds know little about their buildings

By Jonathan O’Connell

Some federal buildings listed in “excellent” condition were found to have damaged ceilings, collapsed roofs or radiological contamination.

By Jonathan O’Connell | 12:00 AM ET, 06/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: commercial real estate, GAO, GSA

Posted at 03:05 PM ET, 06/19/2012

Video: Hine Jr. High School developers make their pitch

By Jonathan O’Connell

Stanton-EastBanc is proposing a mix of offices, housing and shopping for the Capitol Hill school.

By Jonathan O’Connell | 03:05 PM ET, 06/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Hine Jr. High, Stanton, EastBanc, Capitol Hill, commercial real estate

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 06/19/2012

House subcommittee criticizes failure to sell Georgetown heating plant

By Jonathan O'Connell

The 2.08-acre West Heating Plant in Northwest Washington has been nearly vacant since 2000.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 01:56 PM ET, 06/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: West Heating Plant, Georgetown, commercial real estate, GSA, John Mica, Jeff Denham

Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 06/15/2012

Wheaton church to be turned into luxury apartments

By Jonathan O’Connell

The former First Baptist Church of Wheaton will make way for luxury apartments later this month.

By Jonathan O’Connell | 03:45 PM ET, 06/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Wheaton, apartments, commercial real estate, Washington Property Company

Posted at 05:01 PM ET, 06/13/2012

GSA to Mica: FTC HQ move not feasible

By Jonathan O'Connell

Rep. Mica’s dream of delivering the FTC HQ to the National Gallery of Art took a step back Tuesday.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:01 PM ET, 06/13/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: John Mica, Dan Tangherlini, GSA, FTC, Federal Trade Commission, Constitution Center, commercial real estate

Posted at 06:00 PM ET, 06/11/2012

Watergate’s new owner welcomes anniversary’s attention

By Jonathan O'Connell

Could it help attract companies interested in leasing space in the building?

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:00 PM ET, 06/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Watergate, Bob Woodward, Ben Bradlee, Carl Bernstein, commercial real estate

Posted at 02:59 PM ET, 05/23/2012

California teachers fund buys Lcor

By Jonathan O'Connell

The California State Teachers’ Retirement System has bought Lehman Brothers’ majority stake.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 02:59 PM ET, 05/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Commercial real estate, LCOR, Calstrs

Posted at 05:36 PM ET, 04/16/2012

Video: A look at the redevelopment of Union Market

By Jonathan O'Connell

Edens is overhauling a portion of the wholesale market at 1309 5th St. NE to a culinary destination.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 05:36 PM ET, 04/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Edens, Union Market, commercial real estate

Posted at 10:51 AM ET, 03/22/2012

A look at savings from shrinking federal offices

By Jonathan O’Connell

In this economy, GSA lease prospectuses aren’t assured speedy Congressional approvals anymore.

By Jonathan O’Connell | 10:51 AM ET, 03/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Commercial real estate, General Services Administration

Posted at 04:13 PM ET, 02/15/2012

Metro’s director of real estate to step down

By Jonathan O'Connell

After two years at the helm of real estate for Metro, Steven Goldin is leaving, a spokesman confirmed.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 04:13 PM ET, 02/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Metro, Steve Goldin, commercial real estate

Posted at 06:36 PM ET, 01/30/2012

Drop in business travel threatens owner of Washington Ritz-Carltons

By Jonathan O'Connell

The owners of four hotels are at-risk of defaulting on a $170.6 million loan, according Morningstar.

By Jonathan O'Connell | 06:36 PM ET, 01/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Ritz-Carlton, commercial real estate, Georgetown

Capital Business Blog: Commercial real estate