DC buzzes with new developments, renovations and neighborhood enhancements.
With $10.2 billion in development, investment in the city continues to surge. Learn more about upcoming projects across the city.
RFK Stadium Revitalization
The DC government is proposing to redevelop the RFK Stadium site into a new entertainment district. The deal includes a 65,000-seat stadium for the Commanders, housing, venues and recreational spaces. This $3.8 billion project would bring the NFL back to Washington, DC, and create a space for concerts, major sporting events and conventions. The project is still awaiting DC Council approval and the timeline for completion is 2030.
Georgetown
Glowbar, a membership-based spa opened a location in Georgetown in August. They offer custom 30-minute facial treatments targeted to each client’s needs.
The sustainable outdoor clothing brand Cotopaxi opened a pop-up store in Wisconsin Avenue through December 2025. It specializes in men and women’s recreation travel gear, luggage and apparel.
Yala, America’s first authentic Greek-style ice cream shop, opened on N Street in July. Co-founded by Chris Kefalas and his husband, local radio personality Tommy McFly, it brings the tangy, creamy flavors of Rhodes to DC.
Flor Coffee + Books opened in August on 31st Street. The Buenos Aires-inspired café and bookshop offers specialty coffee from Grace Street Roasters, Argentinian and French pastries and soft-serve gelato, alongside a curated mix of English and Spanish books on art, travel and self-care.
Brasero Atlántico and Florería Atlántico, a flower shop with a hidden bar and Argentinian restaurant, are set to open in the old firehouse near the C&O Canal. Led by Renato “Tato” Giovannoni and Alex Resnikwill, this Georgetown location brings their acclaimed Buenos Aires concept to DC.
Google signed a 10-year lease to establish a brick-and-mortar store opening later this year. The space is on the 3200 block of M Street NW and will be joining the ranks of the Google stores in New York City, Chicago, Boston and Mountain View, California.
Huckberry, a men’s outdoor-wear retailer, opened at 1239 Wisconsin Avenue W. With only three other stores in the U.S., some being pop-ups, this permeant location is an exciting addition to the neighborhood. On Running will be opening a brick-and-mortar store in the old Tory Burch and Sezane space.
Many former office and retail spaces are being converted into apartment units to attract residents into the city. 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.
Downtown
City officials unveiled the Downtown Action Plan, a $400 million economic development strategy for DC’s downtown area over the next five years. The investment is aimed at attracting more residents and businesses. Among the proposed initiatives are new apartments, public safety enhancements, added space for pedestrians, green spaces and cultural hubs.
As of now, 20 downtown office-to-residential conversions are in the works, including Monument Realty's conversion of 613-617 H Street NW in Chinatown into 152 units, Post Brothers' conversion of 1825 and 1875 Connecticut Avenue. NW, known as the Universal complex near Dupont Circle, into 600 units, and National Real Estate Advisors' conversion of 1625 Massachusetts Avenue NW east of Dupont Circle into 157 units.
The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (Opening September 2025)
Opening this fall just steps from the White House, the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream will invite 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 will celebrate stories of innovation and resilience while inspiring dialogue on making the American Dream accessible for all. General admission will be free although advanced tickets are required. An additional immersive experience will be available for $15.
The National Mall
The National Mall will get an estimated $500 million in improvements ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration in 2026. The National Park Service is preparing with renovations to the Lincoln Memorial, which will boast a new 15,000-square-foot exhibit space beneath the memorial. Constitution Gardens will also get a revamp. The new project will add an events plaza and new spaces for visitors. The Jefferson Memorial and Tidal Basil are also undergoing repairs to fix the seawall. The repairs resulted in the removal of 158 cherry trees, which will be replaced by 274 new trees upon the project’s completion in 2027. Additionally, Japan is gifting the U.S. 250 cherry trees to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Pennsylvania Avenue
Plans are advancing for a reimagined Pennsylvania Avenue, as part of a long-term effort by DC and federal agencies to transform the iconic corridor between The White House and the Capitol into a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public space. This initiative is part of the city's five-year "comeback plan" for downtown. A design team is currently developing plans, with construction expected to begin in 2026.
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 a 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. Key projects include The Stacks, a substantial mixed-use development featuring residential units, retail spaces, and public amenities, scheduled to open in 2025.
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 project had been in the works for more than a decade and is on track to have one of the largest ILFI Zero Carbon multifamily residential building in the world.
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 continues to add new retail and restaurants. Recent additions include Fish Shop, an acclaimed U.K. seafood restaurant that opened in April, and the renowned Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão, which opened in late 2024. In early 2025, Willowsong, led by Chef Jeffrey Williams, debuted at the Intercontinental Wharf Hotel, and the family-owned café and cocktail bar Urban Roast will open later in 2025. Other openings will include Miami’s acclaimed donut shop, Salty Donut.
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.
Union Market, NoMa
A wave of new tenants have signed lease agreements in Union Market, expanding the 45-acre area with three new restaurants from New York including Starr Restaurant Group’s Pastis, a storied Manhattan restaurant, Minetta Tavern, and Maman, a French bakery chain. Recent openings include Karravaan, a celebration of the dishes connected by the Silk Road, the seafood focused Cordelia Fishbar, the Indian restaurant Chai Pani, Bar Bestie, Station DC, Sly Rooftop Bar and La’Shukran.
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
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.
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.
National Museum of Women the Arts (Opened October 2023)
The world’s only major museum solely dedicated to championing women artists closed to the public for a two-year renovation of its historic building. The building’s first full renovation since 1987, the $70 million project preserves the structure’s history while transforming its interior spaces. Key improvements include enlarged gallery space, a new Learning Commons, featuring an education and public programs studio, an improved research library and reading room, and an updated 200-seat performance hall. There are also upgraded technologies, enhanced amenities and accessibility for visitors. The museum now includes more exhibit space, a studio for educational programs and a library center with a reading room. The performance hall also has accessibility upgrades. The building's Great Hall — a popular event venue has been preserved throughout the renovation process. The museum's inaugural exhibit, "The Sky’s The Limit," features large-scale sculptures by contemporary women artists.
The Museum of Failure (Opened September 2023)
Opened in Georgetown Park on Sept. 7, The Museum of Failure showcases funny fails from familiar brands including Coca-Cola, Google, DeLorean, Nokia and more.
Capital Jewish Museum (Opened June 2023)
The new Capital Jewish Museum juxtapose the story of Jewish Washington with exhibits on the American Jewish community’s history of activism and the struggle for civil rights and racial justice for all Americans. The building itself merges old and new, incorporating the original brick building of one of the DC’s oldest synagogues, Adas Israel, into a more modern structure of metal, glass and concrete. A glass sky bridge connects the new construction and new museum galleries across to the historic building. It is designed by the Smith Group, the same architecture firm that designed Washington, DC’s Museum of the Bible and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. An education space features hands-on objects and activities for school groups and families. There are also event spaces available. The museum occupies 31,000 square feet on the corner of 3rd and F streets, a few blocks from the Judiciary Square metro.
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 2026.
National Air and Space Museum (Renovation)
An extensive, multi-year renovation of the entire museum includes a new learning center, ground-floor restaurant and a third-floor terrace with views of the National Mall and U.S. Capitol. Five new galleries opened in July as well as the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater and the museum’s redesigned entrance. In 2022, eight revamped galleries and 23 reimagined exhibitions opened, including two with themes new to the museum. Of the 1,240 artifacts on display, 55 percent of them have never been on display in the museum before. The remaining galleries that are undergoing renovation are expected to be completed by 2026, ahead of the museum’s 50th anniversary and the United States 250th birthday.
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 2027.
National Archives (Renovation)
The National Archives Museum is creating a new 9,700-square-foot permanent gallery that will reimagine the space that houses the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Emancipation Proclamation. The transformation will feature updated displays, immersive media and expanded storytelling. A new educational center with interactive content will also be added. Both the gallery and the education center are scheduled to debut ahead of the 2026 celebrations.
National World War I Memorial (Opening 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.
Airports
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has selected two dozen new retail and restaurant concessions to fill spaces at Reagan National and Dulles International airports. The phased concessions redevelopment program will provide a greater sense of place, more variety and more healthy options for the traveling public. By the end of 2026, more than 80 new retail and restaurant options will be open at both airports. So far, 47 new or renovated locations are already operational.
At DCA
- Connector between Terminals 1 and 2: Atlas Brew Works, Zeke’s Coffee and Inside the Beltway, a grab-and-go convenience and souvenir shop
- National Hall: Capital One Landing, LEGO Store, Half Moon Empanadas (2nd location), TUMI, BOSS, The Neighborgoods DC gift shop and DC Arts District Market (travel essentials and local products)
- Concourse B: Zeke's Coffee, Atlas Brewery, DC Arts District Market
- Concourse C: Compass Coffee, Cava Mezze and Dos Toros Taqueria
- Concourse D: Five Guys
Additional concessions coming to DCA include Maker’s Union, Wiseguy Pizza, Johnston & Murphy.
Plans are underway for a 1,500-space, three-story modular parking garage, which would be built on the existing economy lot at DCA. It's estimated to be operational in 2025. 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
- Concourse A: Sfoglina, Hudson/Hudson Nonstop (travel essentials, grab-and-go), Union Kitchen grab-and-go
- Concourse A/B: Starbucks, Rappahannock Oyster Co., Brookstone
- Concourse B: Ink by Hudson (bookstore concept), Freshii
- Concourse C: Gatsby (full-service “reimagined American diner" and bar with desserts by Mah Ze Dahr bakery), Auntie Anne’s, Hudson
- Concourse D: Potbelly, Market 1962, Hudson
Other upcoming concessions coming to IAD include Perch and Roost, Social House, 2 Silos Brewing Co., The Market at Shenandoah, Wanderlust, Clydes and Aslin Beer Co.
Dulles Airport is undergoing significant developments. Construction of a new concourse for United Airlines began in December of 2023 and it’s expected to cost between $500 million and $800 million. It will be four times bigger than the concourse it’s replacing, and it’s anticipated to be completed in 2026. The 400,000 square-foot, 14-gate concourse will include new retail and dining options, more seating, airline lounges and other amenities. It also improves the backend operations for servicing planes and moving baggage. Officials hope to build it to the eco-friendly LEED Silver standard.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has selected HOK to design an expansion adding over 2.8 million square feet, including 22 international gates in Concourse Tier 2 and a new Concourse Tier 3. Plans are underway to replace the existing temporary concourse C/D with a permanent three-level structure featuring 44 gates.
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 has begun 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. 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 Capitol Riverfront stadium recently added a new BlueHalo Lounge with best-in-class amenities, premium seating and exclusive access to Audi Field. Allegedly, the DC United team have been talking to the District about expanding the stadium by adding 10,000 more seats and a new roof. This addition would allow the venue to be climate-controlled for concerts and prevent rainouts for DC United, Washington Spirit, DC Power FC and DC Defender games.
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 2027, it’s expected to draw 1 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.”
Union Station Expansion Project
Amtrak, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Union Station Redevelopment Corp. have joined efforts to expand and modernize Union Station, the landmark transit hub and Amtrak’s second busiest location. The $8.8 billion project as currently envisioned includes a new east-west train hall and new passenger concourse. The project area is spread across 53 acres and includes the station building, as well as infrastructure such as a parking garage, rail terminal, bus facility, railroad infrastructure and the H Street Bridge. Construction is expected to take from 11 to 14 years.
Navy Museum (Breaking ground in October 2025)
Five major architecture firms have given the U.S. Navy their designs for a new National Museum of the U.S. Navy. The new facility is meant to replace the Navy’s aging museum in a massive warehouse across the street from Willard Park in Navy Yard. The 270,000-square-foot museum campus will include a new building, 100,000 square feet of gallery space, a ceremonial courtyard, and a marque gallery space. Development is slated to cost around $475 million.
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.
National Geographic Society – Base Camp and Museum of Exploration (opening 2026)
The global science organization broke ground on extensive renovations to its headquarters campus near Scott Circle. The $250-million rehabilitation will modernize the three-building block that serves as a headquarters, museum and event space. The future of "Base Camp," as it calls 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.
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.