District Developments

With $10.1 billion in development, investment in the city continues to surge. Learn more about upcoming projects across the city.

RFK Stadium Revitalization

The District is moving forward with plans to transform the RFK Stadium site into a major entertainment and mixed-use district. The project is advancing toward the construction of a new 65,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium for the Commanders, along with housing, venues and recreational spaces. The Commanders have selected HKS as the lead architect and initial renderings were unveiled by the firm in January 2026, offering the public a first look at the vision for the redevelopment. Demolition of the old stadium is scheduled to be completed by late 2026. The stadium is on track for a 2030 opening, while the surrounding neighborhood components could take until 2040. The $3.8 billion project will bring the NFL back to Washington, DC and create a space for concerts, major sporting events and conventions.

Georgetown

The Salty Donut opened its first DC location in Georgetown on May 8. The Miami-born donut and coffee shop serves a rotating selection of craft donuts, along with breakfast sandwiches, coffee and specialty drinks.  

PopUp Bagels opened in April, bringing its distinctive “grip, rip and dip” bagels to the neighborhood. The concept centers on serving fresh, hot bagels paired with a curated selection of house-made spreads.

Sézane opened a permanent Georgetown store in April, following its successful pop-up in the neighborhood two years earlier. The Paris-inspired brand offers its latest collections, signature essentials and French lifestyle pieces.  

RM Balance is a new wellness studio located at 3210 Grace St NW. It opened in February and offers yoga, mat Pilates taught in English and Spanish, sound baths, breathwork and meditation. There are 30 minutes between classes for guests to enjoy light refreshments and use complimentary tools such as red-light therapy and lymphatic vibration plates. 

The Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo will open a new location on M Street in the fall.

Garage, a Canadian clothing brand popular among Gen Z shoppers, plans to open its first DC store in the former Club Monaco space on M Street.  

Many former office and retail spaces are being converted into apartment units to attract residents. Addresses such as 2715 M Street NW, 2715 Pennsylvania Avenue, and 1805 Wisconsin Avenue will soon be fully residential. Georgetown West Heating Plant and 1000 and 1050 Thomas Jefferson Street NW continue to undergo remodeling and will add around 400 units to the area. 

Pennsylvania Avenue

Early-stage proposals are underway to transform Pennsylvania Avenue, the 1.2-mile stretch often called “America’s Main Street,” connecting the U.S. Capitol and the White House. The plans aim to reimagine the corridor to improve public spaces, update infrastructure and incorporate a more pedestrian-friendly design.  

Downtown

The Downtown Action Plan, a $400 million economic development strategy for DC’s downtown area over the next five years, is underway. The investment is aimed at several foundational improvements as well as attracting more residents and businesses. Among the proposed initiatives are new apartments, public safety enhancements, added space for pedestrians, green spaces and cultural hubs.

Nearly $33 million is being invested to revitalize Gallery Place and strengthen Downtown DC’s public spaces. Key projects include redeveloping the National Portrait Gallery plaza into “Gallery Square,” creating an 8th Street green walk and enhancing 7th Street with expanded pedestrian space. Together, these improvements aim to create a more vibrant, welcoming and walkable environment. 

Washington, DC continues to lead the nation in converting office buildings into housing, with 1,904 residential units already delivered, 1,803 currently under construction and more than 4,200 homes in the pipeline. In January 2026, the city broke ground on the Geneva, the largest office-to-residential conversion in the District’s history. The project will deliver 532 new homes, including 60 designated as affordable, advancing the city’s goal of welcoming 15,000 new residents to Downtown. 

Other projects include Monument Realty's conversion of 613-617 H Street NW in Chinatown into 152 units, and Post Brothers' conversion of 1825 and 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW into 525 units. In addition, National Real Estate Advisors is converting 1625 Massachusetts Avenue NW, now branded as “Aviator House,” into 157 units.

The National Mall

The National Mall is undergoing an estimated $500 million in improvements as part of the preparations for the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration this year. These upgrades, led by the National Park Service and the Trust for the National Mall, include a major revitalization of the Lincoln Memorial, featuring a new 15,000-square-foot exhibit space beneath the memorial opening this summer. By the end of the year, Constitution Gardens will be transformed with new gathering spaces, an events plaza and refreshed landscaping.

The Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basil completed a massive seawall replacement eight months ahead of schedule and about $30 million under budget. The project required the removal of 306 cherry trees, that were replaced by 426 new trees. Japan gifted the U.S. 250 cherry trees to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.  

The historic 1947 carousel on the National Mall reopened to the public in April 2026 following a major renovation. The attraction, which holds ties to the Civil Rights Movement, was restored to preserve its character. 

Yards West

Designed to serve as the “downtown” of the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, Yards West includes plans for 1.8 million square feet of office space, 500,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, 3,400 residential units and 7.5 acres of public green space, including 33,000 square feet of waterfront park space. Part of the broader Yards development, the project is adding new spaces and expanding the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. Phase II has already welcomed tenants such as Maman, Playa Bowls and Jungle and Loom, with additional retail and residential openings planned through 2026. Upon completion, the Yards will be the largest mixed-use waterfront area in DC.

Buzzard Point

Buzzard Point, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers in Washington, DC, is undergoing significant transformation from its industrial past into a vibrant, mixed-use waterfront community. Historically characterized by industrial facilities and underutilized spaces, the area is now the focus of extensive redevelopment efforts aimed at creating a dynamic urban environment. Over 1,100 new apartments have been delivered, and another three buildings are in the works around Audi Field, which will bring nearly 2,000 new residences to the neighborhood. 

Bridge District (Ward 8)

The first phase of this all-in-one neighborhood opened in May 2025, delivering 757 apartments, 42,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space and event spaces. The second phase is expected to open at the end of this year with more retail, housing and green spaces. The project has been in the works for more than a decade and is on track to have one of the largest ILFI Zero Carbon multifamily residential buildings in the world.

Reservoir District

The historic McMillan Sand Filtration Site, a water purification facility in North Capitol Street, is being redeveloped to become a new urban landmark. The 25-acre site will turn into new residences, retail, restaurants, a public park, a community center and healthcare and research centers. The plans intend to preserve historical features of the early-20th-century water purification facility and aim to obtain LEED Gold certification for Neighborhood Development. In 2025, a 22,500-square-foot grocery store was approved, clearing the way for renewed construction momentum. Substantial portions of the development are expected to be completed by 2027. 

The Wharf

The Wharf continues to add new retail and restaurants. Recent openings include Capitano, a coastal Italian-chic restaurant inside the Canopy by Hilton, and Fish Shop, an acclaimed U.K. seafood restaurant.  

Anacostia

DC’s Entertainment and Sports Arena has been renamed CareFirst Arena after a 10-year deal between CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Events DC. The $2 million commitment includes promoting local programming in the St. Elizabeths community and Ward 8. The arena will continue to be home to the Washington Mystics and Capital City Go-Go, the practice facility of the Washington Wizards and a concert and event hub.

Anacostia Arts Center announced in early 2026 that it would undergo a major redevelopment project expected to last approximately 9–12 months. The renovation will modernize the facility with improved gallery, retail, performance and community spaces, strengthening its role as a hub for local artists, entrepreneurs and cultural programming in the Anacostia neighborhood. The $11 million renovation aims to enhance the visitor experience while supporting the area’s growing creative and small business ecosystem.

Union Market, NoMa

Union Market continues to expand as a vibrant dining and nightlife destination, with a wave of recent tenants enhancing the 45-acre neighborhood. Recent additions include Greco, a “truly Greek” street food restaurant. Eunoia brings a vegetable-centric concept inside a Pilates studio, while Elegancia adds a new cocktail bar from actor Wilmer Valderrama. Within La Cosecha, Panamanian coffee roaster Unido has opened a new location, and Donisima Donuts from Miguel Guerra, chef and co-founder of MITA, introduces another new concept to the market. 

Brookland

Catholic University of America has dedicated its new 25-acre campus solar array, the largest ground-mounted urban solar farm in the U.S., located in the Brookland neighborhood. The 7.5 megawatt array, which began producing power in 2024, supports Washington, DC's goal of 100% renewable energy by 2032.

Museums

National Geographic Society – Base Camp and Museum of Exploration (Opening June 26, 2026)

Extensive renovations to the headquarters of the global science organization are nearly complete. The $250-million rehabilitation will modernize the three-building block that serves as a headquarters, museum and event space. The future of "Base Camp," which refers to the campus, will tell the story of National Geographic and be an inviting destination for visitors and residents alike. Additionally, renovations will include the Museum of Exploration, offering visitors the opportunity to learn from immersive experiences, state-of-the-art theater facilities and nighttime courtyard presentations. Green efforts include using recycled materials from the existing buildings, solar panels that provide 25 percent of the campus power and a "gray water" HVAC system that will lessen its environmental impact. 

New Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian Institution has narrowed its search for a pair of new museums, the American Women’s History Museum and American Latino Museum, to two sites on the National Mall. The exact location is pending Congressional approval.

In 2023, the Smithsonian Institution revealed that it has raised upwards of $55 million towards the development of the American Women’s History Museum. Even without a physical building, the museum launches virtual exhibitions and other initiatives such as its Discoverability Lab, an online innovation hub for historians, data scientists and the public, debuted in March 2025. To celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026, the oral history and education project “We Do Declare: Women’s Voices on Independence” explores women’s push for equality through an economic lens. 

Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden (Revitalization)

The 50-year-old Hirshhorn Museum is undergoing a multi-year renovation of its sunken sculpture garden, the first major update since it opened in 1974. Designed by artist and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto, the reimagined garden will expand gallery space, improve accessibility, and create new areas for performances and large-scale installations. Highlights of the design include a central reflecting pool, regraded terraces, and new native plantings, while preserving elements of the original design. The revitalized garden is scheduled to open in fall 2026.

National Air and Space Museum (Renovation)

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will complete its multi-year renovation in 2026, coinciding with the museum’s 50th anniversary and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Five new galleries will open to the public on July 1, with the remaining two renovated galleries set to open in the fall. Together, these openings will mark the completion of a major transformation that includes the redesign of all 20 exhibition spaces, a full refacing of the museum’s exterior cladding, replacement of outdated mechanical systems and other repairs and improvements. The first half of the renovated museum opened in October 2022 with eight new or reimagined exhibitions, the Northrop Grumman Planetarium, the museum store and the Mars Café. The second phase followed in July 2025 with five new exhibitions.  

A Jeff Bezos-funded addition will add a 50,000-square-foot learning center to the museum. The futuristic Bezos Center will house programs and activities related to innovation and careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. It will include a ground-floor restaurant, second-floor space for programs, and a third-floor terrace (with space for 100-150 people) with views of the National Mall and U.S. Capitol. The center will open in 2028. 

National Archives (Renovated September 2025)

The National Archives Museum unveiled a new 9,700-square-foot permanent gallery that reimagines the space that houses the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Emancipation Proclamation. The transformation features updated displays, immersive media and expanded storytelling. 

National World War II Memorial (Renovated Summer 2026)

The World War II Memorial on the National Mall has been temporarily closed for several months as the National Park Service performs renovations. The project aims to modernize the memorial’s fountains and lighting system while preserving its role as one of DC’s most visited landmarks. The renovations are expected to be completed by early summer.  

African American Civil War Memorial Museum (Reopening in 2026)

The African American Civil War Memorial Museum is undergoing extensive renovations at its Vermont Ave location. The refreshed 16,000-square-foot facility honors the heroic roles of 209,145 U.S. Colored Troops who helped end slavery. Admission to the new exhibits will be free. 

The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (Opened September 2025)

The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, located steps from the White House, invites visitors to explore what opportunity means today and how to expand it for future generations. Through interactive exhibits and programs focused on education, health and financial empowerment, the center celebrates stories of innovation and resilience while inspiring dialogue on making the American Dream accessible for all. General admission is free although advanced tickets are required. An additional immersive experience is available for $15. 

Go-Go Museum and Cafe (Opened in February 2025)

Located in Anacostia, the 3,000 sq. foot museum includes digital and interactive exhibitions to guide visitors through go-go’s roots, pivotal moments, best songs, landmark music venues and community impact. Go-go’s history is woven into the cafe’s offerings, which will open in the spring. The food will be a blend of African, Caribbean, Latin and mumbo-sauced dishes. 

National World War I Memorial (Opened September 2024)  

The U.S. World War One Centennial Commission finished construction on a dedicated U.S. WWI Memorial. The memorial commemorates the 100th anniversary of the war’s end and honors its 4.7 million servicemen and women. Years in the making, the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial is a bronze sculpture titled A Soldier’s Journey by Sabin Howard. Howard’s immense frieze tells the story of an American reluctantly answering the call to war. Across five scenes and 38 larger-than-life-size human figures, it is nearly 60 feet long and 10 feet high. Located in Pershing Park in front of the Willard InterContinental Hotel, the memorial’s massive sculpture is the highest free-standing bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere. 

The People’s House (Opened September 2024)

A new interactive replica of the White House offers visitors an immersive educational experience about the executive mansion. This project from the White House Historical Association spans 32,000 square feet inside the Mills Building at 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue. The exhibits on permanent display feature a look into the Rose Garden and a replica of the Oval Office. Although admission is free to the public, reserved passes are required for entry. 

Folger Shakespeare Theater (Opened June 2024)

The Folger’s 1932 building underwent an $80.5 million renovation to expand public space, improve accessibility and enhance the experience for visitors. The renovation project added a 12,000-square-foot public pavilion under the Folger’s front lawn with fully accessible entry plazas for all visitors on both the east- and west-facing sides of the building. The landscaped entry plazas connect with walkable gardens on either side of the building. Its permanent exhibition showcases the library’s 82-copy collection of First Folios, the first published copies of Shakespeare’s works. Produced in 1623, the books represented the first time that roughly half of the Bard’s plays appeared in print; Folger’s collection of copies is the largest in the world. The Great Hall transforms from an exhibition space to a public gathering place and a new Education Laboratory provides a flexible space for hands-on demonstrations and interactive workshops. Visitor amenities include café services in the Great Hall and an expanded gift shop. 

Airports

Ongoing redevelopment at Reagan National and Dulles International airport has brought two dozen new retail and restaurant concessions to travelers. The phased program is enhancing the passenger experience with a stronger sense of place, greater variety and more healthy options. More than 80 new retail and restaurant concepts are expected to be in place by the end of 2026.

At DCA, new concessions include Busboys and Poets, Ben’s Chili Bowl, Cava and Colada Shop. Construction is underway for a 1,500-space, three-story modular parking garage, which will be built on the existing economy lot at DCA. The construction is expected to continue through 2026. The airport is also in the early stages of planning a new concourse to replace Terminal 1. This would be the most significant construction project at DCA since the 14-gate terminal that opened in 2021.

At IAD

Dulles International Airport is entering a major new phase of growth, with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority planning a $22 billion investment to revitalize the airport by 2034. The long-term plan is expected to modernize the passenger experience, expand the main terminal and eventually eliminate the airport’s mobile lounges by fully building out the underground Aerotrain system that connects the terminal and concourses. The plan also calls for expanded international arrivals capacity, new and reconfigured concourses and improved connections between the terminal and gates.

A key near-term project is already underway. Construction of a new United Airlines concourse began in December 2023 and is expected to be completed in fall 2026. The 400,000-square-foot, 14-gate concourse will be four times larger than the facility it is replacing and is expected to cost between $500 million and $800 million. It will include new retail and dining options, additional seating, airline lounges and other passenger amenities, while also improving behind-the-scenes operations for servicing planes and moving baggage. 

Dulles Metrorail Project – Silver Line

The 11.4-mile extension of Metro’s Silver Line opened to passengers in November 2022 connecting Dulles to downtown DC. Washington Metro riders now have access to six new stations stretching between Fairfax and Loudoun counties: Reston Town Center, Herndon, Innovation Center, Dulles International Airport, Loudoun Gateway and Ashburn. The Silver Line is operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Future Developments

Capital One Arena Transformation

Capital One Arena will be entering the middle portion of its six-phase, three-year, $800 million renovation process that will conclude in the 2027-28 NBA and NHL season. The arena’s mission is to represent and reflect DC as the most important city in the world and draw fans from around the globe. The redesign will bring a new exterior and updated amenities for the team and visitors. Premium lounges, clubs and suites, such as The Vaults and United sponsored spaces, look to elevate fan experience and arena atmosphere. Four tiers of new suites open later this year, as well as a business and conference center, a new entrance at 7th and F streets and a new premium entrance on 6th Street. The plan also incorporates a revitalization of the 30 blocks around the arena to create a more walkable neighborhood and repurpose the underutilized street corridors. Improvements to 7th Street NW and 8th Street NW look to promote walkability to the National Mall and beyond.

Audi Field Additions

The AV Lounge, which opened in June 2025, sets a new standard for premium hospitality at Audi Field. Designed for up to 300 guests, the space offers climate-controlled comfort, expansive glass walls with uninterrupted pitch views, all-inclusive food and beverage, VIP entrance, private restrooms, concierge service, and member-only amenities such as personal wine and spirits lockers.

11th Street Bridge Park (Opening 2027)

Washington, DC’s first elevated public park is being built on the piers of the old 11th Street Bridge spanning the Anacostia River. Visitors and locals will enjoy an amphitheater, picnic gardens, interactive art and waterfalls among many other attractions and events that help create a public gathering space. The 130,000-sq.-foot park, designed by Oma + Olin, is a project of nonprofit Building Bridges Across the River. Once complete in the second half of 2028, it’s expected to draw one million visitors a year, while connecting the Anacostia Park and Navy Yard banks of the river. DC-based artist Martha Jackson Jarvis and her daughter, Njena Surae Jarvis, have been commissioned for a piece of artwork entitled “Anacostia’s Sunrise/Sunset Portals.”

Therme Spa Resort

Therme, an Austria-based operator of well-being resorts, is planning to open  a 15-acre spa/waterpark resort facility in Poplar Point, along the Anacostia River. Described by Therme executive Omar Toro-Vaca as “an urban oasis housed in extraordinary architecture and beautiful surroundings,” the planned resort would include a spa, “next-generation waterpark,” and dining options. Currently there are Therme facilities in Romania and Germany. Toro-Vaca said the one in D.C. would create more than 5,000 construction jobs and 700 permanent jobs and add $1.1 billion in tax revenue to city coffers over 25 years.

Connected DMV Hydrogen Hub 

The District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia (the DMV) are in the early stages of a major energy transition. Fueled by climate change, technical and process innovation, and a population committed to responsibly stewarding our natural resources, the result will be a healthy and prosperous environment for all who live and work in the region. The DMV can demonstrate strong regional and national leadership in meeting climate goals and objectives by delivering the next generation of the energy ecosystem. The plan will create economic growth and establish thousands of high-quality jobs and safer environments throughout the region, including for the most distressed communities. Deploying hydrogen in the DMV region can abate almost 1.5% of regional carbon emissions in less than a decade, the equivalent of taking 700,000 cars off the road, with greater gains from 2030 and beyond (Source: hydrogengreenprint.org)

Brooklyn Bowl  (Opening in 2026)

With locations in Las Vegas New York City and Philadelphia, Brooklyn Bowl will develop an all-in-one entertainment venue with bowling lanes, a restaurant and a concert venue next to Audi Field. The two story, 38,000 square foot complex next to the soccer stadium will have a 1,200-person capacity, 14 lanes of bowling and a bar with a Southern-inspired menu overseen by New York City’s Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group. The space is available for group rentals. At the 80,000 square foot Las Vegas location, Nike once converted the space into a basketball court.