WASHINGTON, DC-First Potomac Realty Trust reports it has signed a lease deal with the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. for nearly 20,000 square feet of space at its 440 First Street NW office property under construction here.

ABC signed an 11-year lease at the 140,000-square-foot building located in the Capitol Hill submarket. The construction trades organization is the first office tenant to sign a lease at the soon to be redeveloped property.

“We're very excited to welcome ABC as our first office tenant to 440 First Street," states Ernie Jarvis, senior vice president of First Potomac Realty Trust. "As the building nears completion, we expect to welcome many more tenants looking to take advantage of the newly renovated property's first-rate amenities and excellent location."

Cafe Phillips signed a 3,221-square-foot retail lease in March at the property.

"This Capitol Hill location will provide ABC with the opportunity to be closer to legislators, policymakers and our coalition partners," states Jason Daisey, chief financial officer for ABC. "The new space at 440 First Street offers a great return on investment for ABC's members and is reflective of who we are and what we stand for, in addition to displaying best practices in construction and design."

Mindy Saffer of CRESA and Eric West of West, Lane & Schlager represented ABC in the transaction.