1990 was a banner year for IDI as we completed not only Ballston Metro Station’s condos, hotel and offices, but also 650 Massachusetts Avenue in NW Washington DC. This 8-story building, part of the Techworld complex, delivered 296,000 sq ft. of office space at the corner of Mass and 7th, overlooking historic Mt. Vernon Square, the Carnegie Library, and the original Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
In 1991, IDI completed Techworld Plaza in nw Washington, DC, a massive project that took more than a decade to realize. This project brought 800 hotel rooms, 650,000 sf of office space, 52,000 sf of retail and 625,000 sf of convention space to Mount Vernon Square and the Chinatown neighborhood. Originally envisioned as a showcase and marketplace for technology in our Nation’s Capital, Techworld was bigger than any private development that had preceded it in the District
In 1993, we continued adding new communities at Leisure World of Maryland with the opening of The Fairways. The two 10-story buildings, sited along the golf course, brought 600 luxury condominium homes to the renowned senior community in Silver Spring.
In 1997, Villa Cortese at Leisure World of Maryland brought 170 luxury condominiums and an Old World decorative concept to the burgeoning community. Featuring extensive trompe l’oeil – French for “trick the eye,” some of the decorative stonework, elaborate window frames and other distinctive architectural features were created using paint by two Italian artists.
In 1997, we completed our first project outside the continental US. Santa Rita I & II were affordable housing communities that brought 280 single family homes to Ponce, PR and expanded workforce housing opportunities in the area.
In 1998, we completed the first residential building at Leisure World of Virginia in Lansdowne. Riverbend brought 231 age-restricted luxury condominiums within two 11-story wings, and brought to life IDI’s vision for recreation-oriented active adult communities.
In 1999, we experienced a “hat trick” at the 42nd Finest for Family Living Awards ceremony, sponsored by the local building industry associations. Carlyle Towers, a luxury condominium we were developing in Alexandria, took top honors for its amenities, while Leisure World of Virginia at Lansdowne won for its innovative floor plans, and IDI founder Giuseppe Cecchi received a lifetime achievement award.
In 2001, we completed construction on Carlyle Towers, three luxury residential buildings across from the iconic Masonic Temple in Alexandria. Carlyle Towers, with its 551 luxury condos, was the very first development at the prominent Carlyle mixed use community, which now houses the U.S. federal courthouse as well as homes, offices, retail and restaurants. While still under construction, Carlyle Towers won top honors for its resort-style amenities from the local building industry associations.
In 2001, we delivered Costa Esmerelda in beautiful Ceiba, Puerto Rico, a northeastern coastal town that is home to a massive U.S. naval base. The property brought much needed housing in the form of 224 new condominiums within 29 3- and 4-story buildings.
We completed our second condominium community at Leisure World of Virginia (now Lansdowne Woods of Virginia) in 2001. Blue Ridge was built in two 11-story phases, bringing 242 luxury homes to the recreation-oriented community for active adults 55 and over.