Washington, DC–Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser kicked off Phase 2 of construction of The Wharf with a community celebration on the new mile-long waterfront neighborhood in Southwest DC.
“The Wharf is a tremendous example of how the District can, through innovative public-private partnerships, transform underdeveloped land into housing, jobs, and opportunity. Already, with Phase 1, The Wharf has become a world-class destination for residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Bowser. “In 2019, Washington, DC is truly a waterfront city, and we look forward to building on our progress and success. Together, we will continue ensuring that Washingtonians along the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers–in all the surrounding wards–are able to enjoy and benefit from the many opportunities that our city and waterfronts have to offer.”
At full build out, Phase 2 of The Wharf will complete the remaining 1.25 million square feet of new mixed-use development, including office, residential, hotel, marina, and retail space, as well as parks and public places. The community celebration included a “Truck Touch” featuring DC Government and construction vehicles, live music by Pebble to Pearl and Batalá Washington, a performance by the Amidon-Bowen Elementary School Choir, kids craft activities and sidewalk games by DC Fray.
“The Wharf is one of the most transformative projects in the District creating a new waterfront destination with a full mix of uses and amenities including affordable housing, retail, restaurants, entertainment and more,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner. “The Wharf is a prime example of what we can accomplish when public and private partners come together with the common goal of expanding inclusive prosperity and providing opportunity to DC residents.”
Mayor Bowser cut the ribbon on Phase 1 of The Wharf in October 2017, the 3.2 million square-foot development that will produce nearly 6,000 permanent jobs at completion. The Bowser Administration invested approximately $200 million in tax increment financing and secured agreements with The Wharf to hire at least 51 percent of Washingtonians–20 percent designated for residents from Ward 8 and 30 percent of apprenticeships for residents from Wards 7 and 8. The Wharf also invested $1 million in workforce training for DC residents.
Mayor Bowser was joined by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen, Deputy Mayor Kenner and representatives from Hoffman-Madison.