(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser led the demolition of two buildings at St. Elizabeths campus, making way for a new state-of-the-art sports and entertainment arena and Phase I infrastructure development at the historic site. Mayor Bowser was joined by Ward 8 Councilmember LaRuby May, Events DC CEO Greg O’Dell, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner, Department of General Services Director Christopher Weaver and residents to witness the beginning of this catalytic project in Anacostia.
“Today is a great day for the District of Columbia and the residents of Wards 7 & 8,” said Mayor Bowser. “With this new development, we are delivering on a promise to revitalize Congress Heights, create quality affordable housing, generate hundreds of jobs, and put more District residents on a pathway to the middle class.”
The arena is schedule to open in September of 2018. Operated by Events DC, the 5,000 seat venue is projected to produce $90 million in new tax revenue over 20 years, attract more than 380,000 annual visitors per year, produce more than 600 construction jobs and 300 permanent jobs. Hiring priority will be given to Ward 7 and 8 residents.
“Today's milestone marks the beginning of a new era in the Congress Heights neighborhood and we look forward to working with Mayor Bowser, Monumental and our development partners on building an exciting venue," said Greg O'Dell, president and chief executive officer of Events DC. "The new entertainment and sports arena project will service as a catalyst of economic revitalization in Ward 8 and stimulate job growth by creating hundreds of construction and permanent jobs.”
The Department of General Services will oversee the Phase I infrastructure for the site. Phase I infrastructure is slated for completion in July 2018 and will provide the foundation for Phase I development.
Plans for Phase I development include 60 townhomes, 250 mixed-income apartments, a 171,000-square-foot office building with 47,000 square feet of integrated retail, a retail courtyard, and 100 underground parking spaces. Once completed, the total St. Elizabeths project will eventually bring 1.8 million square feet of offices, 206k square feet of retail, 1,300 residential units and at least two hotels to Congress Heights.
“This demolition isn’t just about a new arena. This is about a promise to bring services and resources to Ward 8” said Councilmember May. “I am excited to start this process and will stay focused on making sure Ward 8 gets the economic growth and development our community deserves.”
To learn more about the New Entertainment and Sports Arena, visit: mayor.dc.gov .