Donatelli & Klein's $40 million project is part of a grander endeavor, the District's Georgia Avenue Revitalization Initiative, which is designed to bring new life to the long-neglected stretch of Georgia Ave. that runs through the Petworth neighborhood. The initiative calls for facilitating a more vibrant neighborhood atmosphere through the rehabilitation of existing housing, creation of new living options, expansion of businesses, and establishment of public open spaces.

Local authorities hope Donatelli & Klein's condominium property will be the start of greater developer interest in the area. "This project will have a major impact on Georgia Ave., especially given the fact that it is at a Metro station," Donatelli & Klein president Chris Donatelli tells GlobeSt.com. "It will serve as a project to spur other major projects in the area."

The company's handiwork in other District neighborhoods--including the U Street corridor and Columbia Heights--has proven successful in igniting additional development. Work on the six-story condominium structure is scheduled to get under way in the summer of 2005, and is expected to reach completion 18 months after the start date.