Bolan Smart began working for Forest City in 2003 providing market analysis, development feasibility, deal structuring, planning implementation, economic impact analysis and other consulting services.

Bolan Smart teamed with Forest City Washington in its successful competitive bid for the Southeast Federal Center development site. Now known as The Yards, it is a master planned 5,000,000 square foot mixed-use space on the 44-acre surplused Navy site. The ultimate public-private deal structure included a combination of land sale and ground lease components comprised of over a dozen phased land bays, encompassing a variety of existing historical buildings, vacant sites and demolished properties.