It all began with these five people in 1975: Aristide Onorati, Jesse Lee, Giuseppe Cecchi, Germana Storey, and Richard Grizzard. Giuseppe had completed his development of The Watergate complex for the Italian company that had sent him here to do that, and pulled together this team to start IDI in June 1975 as International Developers, Inc. We’re very proud of our sterling reputation in this golden anniversary year, and it all started here.
Located in DC’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood, The Plaza became the young company’s first completed condominium in 1977. This 10-story, 51-unit building was the first of many celebrated multi-family communities that would eventually lead to Giuseppe Cecchi being named “Condo King” by the Washington Post.
IDI’s second major project, Parkfairfax, made it clear that IDI was a unique kind of development company. In 1979, IDI completed an ambitious program of tenant-sensitive condominium conversions there, delivering 1,684 units with zero evictions! IDI kept sale prices affordable to existing tenants, providing a private sector solution to the need for affordable housing.
In 1980, we continued to set the standard for new condominium communities when we completed The Rotonda in McLean. The community included 1168 condominium homes within five 10-story buildings, and featured resort-style amenities that were state-of-the-art. The Rotonda enjoyed an extra moment of fame in 1982 as the setting for a visit with relatives in the movie “Best Friends” starring Goldie Hawn and Burt Reynolds.
This Washington Post article from 1977 gives a glimpse into the impact of the responsible redevelopment of Parkfairfax and Parc East, another IDI affordable condominium conversion completed in 1980 in west Alexandria.
In 1980, IDI delivered its first transit-oriented development above the Rosslyn Metrorail Station in Arlington. Rosslyn Center brought 410,000 square feet of offices and 55,000 square feet of shops and restaurants, and served as IDI’s headquarters for almost 40 years.
In 1981, IDI brought 250,000 square feet of office space to Tysons Corner with an office building at 8200 Greensboro Drive that has become an iconic testament to its era. You can catch a glimpse anytime you’re near Tysons Galleria.
In 1982, we delivered our first industrial project in Springfield. BuildAmerica comprised 89 retail warehouses within 5 buildings. The expertise gleaned from this endeavor continues to inform developments like Belmont Logistics, currently under construction in Woodbridge.