D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and several community and health leaders cut the ribbon Friday at DC Health’s new headquarters in the Anacostia neighborhood of Ward 8.
The new headquarters will bring 700 employees at a time when a growing network of healthcare partners and providers is coming to the ward. The move is a part of Bowser’s efforts to locate more D.C. government agencies in neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River to serve as a catalyst for economic growth.
“DC Health’s new headquarters are part of a growing health care corridor in Ward 8 that also includes the new urgent care, the new Whitman-Walker Max Robinson Center — and next year, we will open the state-of-the-art Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health on the St. Elizabeths East campus,” Bowser said. “Together, we’re making sure more people get the right care at the right time so that we can improve health outcomes for Washingtonians.”
DC Health Director Dr. Ayanna Bennett said she has been pleased at the positive response to the move by residents and businesses.
“We are eager to engage our neighbors in a meaningful conversation about how can address the public health and equity issues and together, build healthier communities,” Bennett said.
The new headquarters are in Reunion Square, a redevelopment project supported by Ward 8’s first-ever Tax Increment Financing. At first build-out, the multi-phase 1.5 million square feet of neighborhood-serving retail; and a 480-unit multi-family residential development, including affordable and senior living units.
Department of General Services Director Delano Hunter said the project costs nearly $50 million.