Mixed-Use Project Awaits D.C. Approval, Crucial Financing
Washington Post, November 24, 2008, D02
Alejandro Lazo

.... Jemal said in an interview last week that his plan is to begin the city's approval process now and be ready to build in two or three years, potentially leapfrogging the credit freeze.

"When the market does open up, we will be ready," Jemal said. "Until then, life is going to go on."

Jemal has hired District-based architectural firm Shalom Baranes to design the mixed-use project, which is to include office buildings and a variety of retail shops. Jemal said he was not certain whether a boutique hotel will be included, as originally planned.

"It is too soon to tell," he said. "We don't know where the hotel market is going to be right now."

The approval process is to begin next month, when his development team presents an initial design to the city's Historic Preservation Review Board. Some of the buildings that are part of the project have landmark status that Jemal must preserve.

Last week, members of the Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association got their first look at the long-awaited project from Douglas Development....

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