"This project represents an entirely new approach for GSA," says the organization's National Capitol Region regional administrator Donald C. Williams. "Thanks to passage of the Southeast Federal Center Public/Private Development Act of 2000, GSA has an unprecedented opportunity to partner with the private sector for the development of a prime site." The formerly gated-off facility will be converted to a neighborhood of sorts, where work, home and recreational worlds coexist.

Interested developers submitted plans for the project, which sits along the Anacostia River, to the GSA in July. From that group, GSA officials have now settled on Chicago, IL's Banneker Development Partners LLC, Silver Spring, MD-based Capitol Harbor LLC, Arlington, VA's Charles E. Smith Real Estate Services LP, Forest City Washington of Bethesda, MD, and the District's Southeast Riverfront LLC. At least one of the five candidates has issued a release touting its qualifications for the job. "Our 30 years of experience working in the District and the region gives us the credibility to deliver the best mixed-use project," explains Forest City president Deborah Ratner Salzberg. "We have developed long-standing relationships with government, business and community leaders that allow us to succeed in delivering value to the community." With the shortlist in hand, the GSA plans to issue the RFP later this month.