Jury Trial Between Developer James Walker and Real Estate Mogul Don Peebles Begins December 2, 2024 

By Scoon TV Staff

On December 2, 2024, the highly anticipated jury trial between local developer James Walker and billionaire real estate mogul Don Peebles will commence in D.C. Superior Court. This marks a crucial moment in the five-year legal battle over the Fifth and Eye Street Hotel project. The trial will be streamed live, offering the public a chance to witness this high-stakes case firsthand.

At the center of the dispute is a 2014 hotel development deal awarded by the District of Columbia to The Peebles Corporation, in partnership with Walker, a small-business owner and Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) chosen to meet local participation requirements. However, before the contract could close in April 2019, Walker claims Peebles attempted to force him out of the project and replace him with Peebles’ son, Donahue Peebles III. The D.C. government rejected this move, and Walker successfully obtained a temporary restraining order to prevent his removal from the deal.

In response, Peebles accused Walker of betrayal, asserting that the partnership had become untenable. Peebles then terminated the agreement with the District, placing the blame on Walker and leaving him with no way to continue the project after more than six years of planning and effort.

This trial underscores the complex power dynamics in D.C.’s lucrative development scene, highlighting the challenges faced by small, local businesses in large public-private ventures. The case, which will be presented before a jury, is expected to draw significant attention. Viewers can follow the proceedings live on the D.C. Superior Court’s livestream as this dramatic legal battle unfolds.

The hearing can be viewed at this link