Rumors regarding WC&P's plans to double its workspace began circling the real estate industry late last year. Real estate services firm Julien J. Studley orchestrated the transaction on behalf of WC&P.

The firm currently operates from two offices in the Washington, DC region. Lawyers work from the firm's space in the District's Foggy Bottom area at 2445 M St, and at a Tysons Blvd. locale in McLean, VA. With the new lease signings, WC&P will expand to a new building that will sit at 1875 Pennsylvania Ave., space in an existing structure at 1801 Pennsylvania Ave., and in the building at 1899 Pennsylvania Ave.

DRI Partners owns the latter property, which it acquired in 2001 for nearly $34 million. The building is currently valued at about $40.7 million. District assessment records for 1801 Pennsylvania, which is owned by Mark Winkler Co., are not available. Leasing rates for class A space in both buildings start at about $45 per-sf.

While the deal accounts for 524,000 sf, there is room for expansion written into the agreement--WC&P has an option to take on an additional 120,000 sf, bringing its total space to 644,000 sf. Ultimately, the three structures will be physically linked to house the firm's nearly 400 employees.

WC&P expects to leave its hotel-surrounded home at 24th and M streets for new neighbors, such as the World Monetary Fund, on Pennsylvania in 2006.