November 6, 2003

City Approves New City Center

(Washington, DC) - Mayor Anthony Williams today designated the team of Hines/Smith/Georgetown to redevelop the former Washington Convention Center at 900 9th Street, NW.

"Development of the old Washington Convention Center is a tremendous opportunity to build a dynamic new identity for downtown's East End, while creating jobs for our citizens, revenue for the District and boosting local businesses," Mayor Williams said. "We will create a vibrant urban neighborhood with housing for all income levels, as well as outdoor cafes, retail outlets and cultural attractions."

The site at Eye and 10th Sts. in downtown's East End will be transformed into a spectacular urban landmark with housing, retail shops and parks. There are also plans for cultural and civic attractions, which may include a library, museum or performing arts center and would add to the infusion of pedestrian activity.

The Development Team

The development team consists of:

• Hines Interests Limited Partnership, one of the world's largest privately held mixed use development firms with over 700 projects and over $13 billion in real estate developments;
• Archstone-Smith Residential, one of the nation's leading developers of urban apartments;
• and Georgetown Development Corp., a renown developer of commercial and civic real estate, specializing in creating "Main Street" retail experiences.

Lord Norman Foster, one the world's most-renown architects, is also a key part of the development team. The team also includes Bundy Development Corporation and Neighborhood Development Corporation, which are minority owned firms. These two companies are certified as Local, Small, Disadvantaged, Business, Enterprises (LSBDE) and are equity partners on the team.

From Council Approval to Selection

"In July 2002, the City Council approved our vision for creating this new destination downtown," Mayor Williams said. "After nearly 100 hours of meetings, negotiations and due diligence review, we are designating Hines/Smith/Georgetown as the development team that shares our vision for creating this new icon, and at the same time provides the best financial return for the District."