Washington, DC- Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, joined by Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Valerie-Joy Santos and Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Director Linda Argo, today cut the ribbon on Fairlawn Estates, a 20 home development at 2203 Retta Gilliam Court in Ward 7. The development, conceived by Ms. Gilliam of the East of the River Community Development Corporation, was stalled for several years before Valor Development and Potomac Construction Group purchased the development out of foreclosure in December of 2009.

The District's Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) worked with the new development team to expedite the permitting process to bring the development to completion after a period of dormancy.

Fairlawn Estates homes are between 1,900 and 2,000 square feet, are of brick or stone exterior and have either three or four bedrooms with two and one-half baths. Prices start at $350,000. The gated community boasts views of downtown Washington and a landscaped center courtyard. Washington Fine Properties handles the sales and marketing for Fairlawn Estates. Four homes are currently under contract.  

"We are focused on revitalizing neighborhoods and improving residential developments across the city," said Mayor Fenty. "And it is fantastic to see this beautiful community, which overlooks the District, come to life in Ward 7."

After the project stalled in 2004, the District became involved to help streamline the permitting process for the new development team. Inadequate storm water management led to frequent flooding and many of the homes required additional attention from the contractors to be rendered complete.

"With DCRA, we are committed to providing the necessary support to our private sector partners in order to expedite projects like Fairlawn Estates," said Deputy Mayor Valerie Santos. "It was important to the neighborhood that the unfinished development reach completion and occupancy and we were pleased to help make that happen."

The development team of Valor Development and Potomac Construction Group have previously worked together on other projects in the District such as the Italian Embassy in Dupont Circle.