The developer -- already spearheading many high-profile projects, including the construction of a Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Foggy Bottom -- is busy locking up much of the south side of M Street between 33rd and 34th streets.

Lanier's moves on M Street mark the latest chapter in his crusade to upgrade the tony neighborhood, replacing mom-and-pop businesses with trendy national chains.

The block he's buying now houses a slew of small businesses ranging from a bridal shop -- Valentino of Georgetown -- to a warehouse for Big Wheel Bikes. The sellers are an equally varied range of longtime landlords.

Michael Sendar, owner of Big Wheel Bikes, said he and many of his neighbors already have received notice that they will need to move once Lanier closes on all the properties.

One of Lanier's partners, District-based German investment group EastBanc, "is showing no mercy," Sendar said. "They are just an 800-pound gorilla."

Lanier confirmed that he and his partners have purchased 3330 and 3320 M St. He also has a contract to purchase 3300 M St. He declined to disclose the purchase prices.

Lanier already has inked a deal with at least one tenant.

Chicago-based Baker Knapp & Tubbs, an upscale furniture retailer, will open its first location in the D.C. market this spring at 3330 M St. No word yet on any other deals.

Lanier's tenants in other buildings he has purchased with New York-based Millennium Partners and EastBanc include Barnes & Noble, BCBG, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Nine & Co. and Pottery Barn.

Lanier has also bought buildings at 3345 and 3331 M St. that house Eagle Wine & Liquor and Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory. He plans to build a 30,000-square-foot retail center with parking at that site.

Although some observers credit Lanier with pumping new blood -- and more money -- into Georgetown, Sendar remains downbeat on the changes.

"I think they are being portrayed too favorably," he said. "Georgetown isn't going to have any small businesses."

Lanier takes a different view.

"Some tenants went out of business on their own, some will close as a result of our acquisitions," he said. "In the end, we will be dramatically upgrading the buildings."

At least one other small business owner is sympathetic to Sendar's concerns but said he benefits from Lanier's efforts.

"There's a positive and a negative. A good point is he's revitalizing these buidings and bringing in first-class tenants," said Charlie Lenkin, owner of Mendocino Grille at 2917 M St. NW. "On the negative side, the mom-and-pop businesses are losing out."