Vision To Reality: 1931-1983

The Great Depression did not affect the economy in Washington as much as other parts of the country. Nevertheless, the downturn in business was felt, and forced some to look for new locations from which to conduct business, and in some cases to liquidate property. The real estate, insurance, and lending services of Donohoe were a necessary and vital part of keeping business moving during these difficult times.

The coming of World War II caused a massive explosion in the number of people coming to Washington, and the government would need places for these people to work and live. This was yet another opportunity to not only increase business, but serve the country in time of war.

During the 1940s and to the middle 1950s, it became apparent that two more areas of service could be added to the list of companies under the Donohoe banner. In 1955, Donohoe expanded into construction and development.

This was another case of Donohoe's penchant for seizing opportunity that has characterized the company since John F. Donohoe founded it.

Throughout the decades of the 1960s, 70s, and into the 80s, Donohoe was instrumental in the development and construction of some of the most important and impressive buildings in Washington, Maryland and Virginia.