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GSA head signals federal role in Southwest D.C. redevelopment
The agency plans to act as a first mover on the 250 acres between the National Mall and the southwest waterfront, amid ongoing property sales in the corridor.
Bisnow reports that General Services Administration Administrator Ed Forst said the federal government could take an active role in the redevelopment of 250 acres between the National Mall and Washington, D.C.'s southwest waterfront.
Forst pointed to the need for an early step to get projects moving, describing the government as having “a real place to play” as a catalyst. He did not specify how the GSA would shape redevelopment plans, but framed its intent as collaborating with stakeholders while moving quickly.
The remarks come as the GSA has been selling federally owned assets in the southwest corridor without a detailed redevelopment framework. Under Forst’s leadership, the agency has sold a nearly 1 million square foot regional office building at Seventh and D streets SW to Dalian Development, and an L-shaped Liberty Loan building on the Tidal Basin to Satvik Raj.
The GSA chief also cited a prior model for government-led transfers, referencing the transfer of 53 acres along D.C.'s southeast waterfront known as The Yards to developer Forrest City, which he described as including about 3,000 apartments, restaurants, and parks.