District Takes Action Against Condo Developer

Developers of shoddy condo projects beware. The District government has filed a complaint against Charles Jenkins, who the District said had performed "inadequate renovations" on numerous condominium projects, and that he "failed to disclose to potential purchasers the true condition of the condominiums, which suffered from severe defects." The District is seeking to enjoin him from further condo projects and for payment of all repairs made to his projects.

Jenkins is accused of failing to obtain a warranty, as required with all new condominiums as a backstop against product defects, that he failed to provide or provided inaccurate Public Offering Statements (POS) to purchasers, and of performing "shoddy workmanship" with "significant defects." Jenkins and his company renovated and sold the Eighth Street Condominiums at 3201 8th St., SE, completed in 2005, Eastern Avenue condos at 940-948 Eastern Avenue, NE, and the A Street Condominiums at 4932 A St., SE.

The city has ordered a jury trial to seek relief for duped condo purchasers. Complaints included non-functioning air conditioning, leaks, "inoperable security gate and door buzzer," and vermin.