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WASHINGTON, DC-Monument Realty is finalizing its plans for Phase I of the development of properties are located along two blocks between N and M streets and South Capitol and 1st, directly across the street from the stadium. Construction for this parcel, 850,000 sf, is set to begin in mid-2007. "We have basically identified the uses for these properties, now we are in the process of hiring a retail architect for the street," Russell Hines, executive vice president, tells GlobeSt.com.

The tone of the street--which essentially leads directly from the Half Street Metro Station to the stadium--is supposed to celebratory, urban streetscape, he says, with restaurants on both sides, although just one side is currently being developed. This phase of the development also includes a 250,000 sf office building at the corner of M and Half Street, on top of the metro entrance. There is also a 450,000 sf residential building. "Both will have a significant retail component," Hines says.

There is also a 125,000-sf smaller office building that has tentatively been identified as part of Phase I, on the northwest corner of Half and M Street. On the West side of Half Street, a bus maintenance facility, which will be relocated, will also be developed, Hines says, although not likely until Phase II. Use for that building has not been identified yet. Construction for Phase 1 is expected to be completed by 2009.