Despite the scarcity of large tenant space in Washington, D.C.’s central business district, the law firm of Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering signed a lease for 525,000 sq. ft. at 1875 Pennsylvania Avenue. It is the largest private sector lease in the District’s history.

The Mark Winkler Company, of Alexandria, VA, and EastBanc Inc., of Washington, D.C., awarded The Clark Construction Group Inc., of Bethesda, MD, a $42-million contract to construct an office building at the site, which will complete the complex.

Known as 1875 Pennsylvania Avenue, the development encompasses the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue between 18th and 19th streets and consists of the existing 1801 Pennsylvania Avenue, 1875 Pennsylvania Avenue (currently under construction), and the newly renovated 1899 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Clark is currently demolishing the Federal Bar buildings on the site to make way for 1875 Pennsylvania Avenue. The three-building complex will be interconnected by Clark.

Washington, D.C.-based Shalom Baranes Associates designed 1875 Pennsylvania Avenue, a 13-story, 116,000-sq.-ft. building that will feature 19,000-sq.-ft. floor plates, two levels of below-grade office space and three levels of underground parking. A poured-in-place post-tensioned concrete frame will support an elegant glass curtain wall and precast exterior.

A dramatic, 150-ft. atrium is the focal point of the lobby. Other special features include extensive conferencing and file storage facilities, multiple balconies and a rooftop terrace.

In addition to Clark and the architect, the project team includes Thornton-Tomasetti-Cutts of Washington, D.C., structural engineer: Girard Engineering of McLean, VA, MEP engineer; and Wiles Mensch Corporation of Reston, VA, civil engineer. The anticipated completion date for the complex is spring 2006.

The Mark Winkler Company owns 1801 Pennsylvania Avenue. A partnership of The Mark Winkler Company and EastBanc Inc. owns 1875 Pennsylvania Avenue and a partnership of DRI Inc. and Artemis Realty Investments LLC owns 1899 Pennsylvania Avenue.

“Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering was founded in Washington over 40 years ago and will always be part of the life of the nation’s capital,” said Carol Clayton, the firm’s administrative partner. “This development will provide the firm efficient space in a location that will serve the needs of our clients and staff as we continue to grow.”

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