The suggested 15-year lease agreement with property developer Akridge would likely pave the way for construction on Carroll Square to begin. For Dewey Ballantine, the deal would allow the firm to relocate from its present digs at 1775 Pennsylvania Ave. in the central business district to the burgeoning East End area.

Carroll Square is not just another premiere District office building in the works; it is an endeavor that will incorporate portions of seven historic townhouse structures into its design, which is being spearheaded by architectural firm SmithGroup. Upon its completion, the 10-story facility will also feature retail space, as well as art gallery space and artists' studios.

Dewey Ballantine is looking at settling into space on part of the first floor, the entire concourse level, the second floor and the sixth through ninth floors. If all goes as planned, the firm will have moved into its new home by January 2007.