WASHINGTON, DC-Two solar finance companies recently inked leases in two buildings in Dupont Circle for what otherwise would be seen as an uneventful transaction: Sol Systems and Skyline Innovations moved in September to 1718 Connecticut Ave. NW, nearly tripling their space to 5,209-square-feet; Skyline Innovations moved to 1606 20th St. NW in August to occupy 2,081-square-feet. Wendy Feldman Block and Kimberly Roth of Studley helped them with the search and negotiation for new space.

These deals are admittedly small but Feldman Block says they highlight several trends brewing in the DC market. One, the companies wanted an open space design for their operations because their work processes are highly collaborative. Two, because their staff tends to be young they wanted to be in the city in a 24/7 live work play neighborhood.

Those constraints may not seem like much but Feldman Block said the search was harder and took longer than she expected. "I do think the future it will be easier to find space like this. Landlords are getting smart and realize that this is what certain companies want." Also, she added, the DC government has gotten aggressive in promoting the area to new technology companies like clean energy. The city government's marketing division gave the two companies a list of space that was available; they connected with Studley when they reached out to ask about sublet space. Prior to that, they didn't have a broker.

"The DC government is doing a good job with their efforts to make it more friendly environment for tech and start ups," she says.

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