Prior to forming IDI (originally known as International Developers, Inc.), IDI President & CEO Giuseppe Cecchi introduced the nation’s capital to its first mixed-used project: Watergate. The development team Cecchi formed at Watergate moved on to develop many landmark condominiums in the region, including The Rotonda, The Belvedere, Montebello, Porto Vecchio, Altavista, Carlyle Towers and Leisure World of Maryland and Leisure World of Virginia. With these successes, IDI became the leading and largest developer of condominium communities in the Metro area.
IDI pioneered a widely applauded program of tenant-sensitive condominium conversions when the firm redeveloped the 1,684-unit Parkfairfax complex. The whole conversion was completed without any existing residents having to be vacated. IDI was able to upgrade apartments and convert them into condominiums at purchase prices that were affordable to the residents, providing a private solution to the need for affordable workforce housing. More than 30 years later, the existing quality endured, as Parkfairfax was named Best Condominium Community in the Metropolitan area for 1999. IDI duplicated this process with the 979 units at Belle View in Alexandria.
In addition to its residential portfolio, IDI has developed significant commercial projects, including Techworld, Rosslyn Center, Ballston Metro Center, Renaissance Hotel, Vista International Hotel and Leisure World Plaza shopping center.
During this time, the family-owned IDI welcomed the next generation of Cecchis to the firm. Enrico, Carlos and John joined IDI and now have key responsibilities in the acquisition, construction and development of multifamily residential and mixed-use projects.