These aerial images of the Bridge District were taken in October 2024 by Duane Lempke of Sisson Studios.
Photos and renderings courtesy of Redbrick LMD
Developer plans community as place where federal workers will live, shop and play.
One of the most scenic and underutilized spots in the nation’s capital is undergoing an extreme makeover that will transform the area into a hotbed of mixed-use development.
The $1.5 billion, 8-acre project is called the Bridge District. Upon buildout, it will feature 2.5 million sq. ft. of mixed-use density currently under development. Located along the Anacostia River in Southeast Washington, DC, the district will have seven buildings including 2,000-plus residential units, a 225,000-sq.-ft. cyber innovation hub, 90,000 sq. ft. of retail space, open green space and parks, and much more.
Situated at the foot of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge and adjacent to Anacostia Park, this prime parcel offers scenic views of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. DC-based developer Redbrick LMD recognized the hidden value in this land and several years ago stepped up to spearhead the site’s redevelopment.
The $450 million first phase opened this year with 757 residential units in three buildings: the Stratos, Poplar House and Alula. Each building offers a wide array of amenities; unobstructed views of the river and national monuments; premium apartment units at multiple price points; and convenient access to the nearby Anacostia Metro station.
“Opening the first phase of the Bridge District is the culmination of more than 10 years of working with the city, our neighbors, capital partners and other stakeholders to bring a highly sustainable, new neighborhood to Washington, DC,” said Tom Skinner, managing partner of Redbrick LMD. “With a focus on nature, health and wellness, and immediate proximity to public transportation, parks and jobs, we believe the Bridge District will be a neighborhood that attracts residents, retailers and employers and a major contributor to the future economic growth of the city.”
Among other factors drawing residents, businesses and investors to the neighborhood is the fact that the Bridge District is located a short walk from Nationals Park and The Yards and is adjacent to a 1,000-acre, waterfront national park.
A Dwelling for Every Budget
Designed by ZGF Architects and built by Hitt Contracting, the initial housing totals 750,000 sq. ft. and offers rents ranging from $1,700 to $4,300 per month. Phase two has 900 residential units in 900,000 sq. ft.; and phase three will be 750,000 sq. ft. of new development including the all-new National Campus for Cyber Leadership.
Retailers are lining up to sign leases. Atlas Brew Works is a locally owned brewery and tap room that will also feature an Andy’s Piza kitchen in the shop’s 24,260-sq.-ft. location. Set to open in the second quarter of this year, Atlas operates 100% on solar energy. DC Fray, a pop-up outdoor sports and events area, has also signed a lease.
The goal of the community is a zero carbon footprint, according to Redbrick LMD. The project represents the biggest new housing project east of the Anacostia River in decades.
Redbrick acquired the first 4-acre parcel in the district in 2013 for a disclosed sum of $8.5 million. By 2020, Redbrick had amassed all of the acreage for a reported total of $16.8 million. The company took advantage of federal Opportunity Zone tax incentives for the historically disadvantaged neighborhood to help finance the project.
Ground was broken in 2022. The first three 12-story apartment buildings in the Bridge District were completed earlier this year.
Redbrick LMD hopes that federal workers will choose to live in the Bridge District, a short distance from the Department of Homeland Security and the soon-to-be completed Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Audi Field, the Navy Yard and the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling are also nearby.
The Bridge District will also connect to the new 11th Street Bridge Park, a collaborative project between DC government and Building Bridges Across the River. The partnership plans to convert the old 11th Street Bridge over the Anacostia River into the city’s first elevated park. Plans call for the development to feature outdoor performance spaces, playgrounds, urban agriculture and an Environmental Education Center.
Located between the Washington Navy Yard and Anacostia Park, the new Bridge Park is being designed to be “a destination, a pedestrian and bicycle route, and an iconic architectural symbol across the Anacostia River,” according to the city.
Retreat to a Waterfront Oasis
The Bridge District and Bridge Park are part of a wave of redevelopment projects taking hold throughout DC.
Just steps away from Bridge District along the Anacostia River lies Poplar Point, a 110-acre waterfront site that is in the process of being transferred from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia. Poplar Point will eventually include a 70-acre riverfront park and trail system and 25 acres for mixed-use development, including housing, community amenities, and other uses. On March 20, the District announced the selection of Therme Group’s proposal to develop 15 acres of the site into a $500 million resort and wellness spa destination. Therme DC is estimated to generate $1.5 billion in tax revenue for the District over 25 years; create 5,000 construction jobs during development; and generate 720 permanent jobs upon completion.
Mayor Muriel Bowser said that Therme DC is a “unique opportunity for DC and an economic driver for Ward 8—creating jobs, attracting visitors, and delivering new opportunities for our residents.”
The multinational firm selected DC after conducting a 2-year-long nationwide site search. The company is known for building and running expansive water park resort spas in Europe. “Therme DC will be a transformative addition to the city’s landscape and will set a new standard for how cities can integrate well-being into the fabric of urban downtowns, bringing access to green spaces, wellness and community-driven programming for both residents and visitors,” said Robert Hammond, president of Therme Group US.
This Investment Profile was prepared under the auspices of the Washington DC Economic Partnership. For more information, contact Jez Kline at jkline@wdcep.com. On the web, go to www.wdcep.com.
