D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser loves March Madness.
No, not the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament but “DMPED March Madness,” the District’s annual showcase of agencies that deal with economic development and business matters during the month of March, sponsored by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED).
“You have the opportunity to be excited about the opportunities in D.C. as you are about your brackets,” said Bowser at the events’ March 25 kickoff in Northwest in front of 120 people including entrepreneurs, city officials and residents.
The Bowser administration used DMPED March Madness to announce that the city has been selected to bring a new Therme Group facility to Poplar Point located in Ward 8. The Therme Group would develop 15 acres of the 110 acres at Poplar Point into a state-of-the-art health and wellbeing destination along the banks of the Anacostia River.
Therme Group is known globally for its urban wellbeing facilities that offer customers amenities such as thermal baths, several saunas and wet rooms, thermal and mineral pools, waterslides, relaxation beds, immersive arts, a wide variety of restaurants and an abundance of tree and plant life. The Poplar Point facility will be known as Therme DC.
“We know that Therme DC is a great fit for Poplar Point,” said Bowser. “Not only will it create jobs and opportunity, but it will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth along the Anacostia waterfront in Ward 8. This is a unique economic driver for Ward 8—creating jobs, attracting visitors, and delivering new opportunities for our residents.”
Viewed as one of the last significant waterfront development opportunities on the East Coast, the Poplar Point site has remained undeveloped for decades. With the arrival of Therme DC, the site is expected to include a 70-acre riverfront park and trail system and 25 acres for mixed-use development.
The Therme DC project is estimated to generate $1.5 billion in tax revenue over 25 years, 5,000 local construction jobs during development and 720 permanent positions upon completion.
Wanda Lockridge, a Ward 8 resident and the former chair of the D.C. Democratic State Committee, will serve as Therme DC’s director of engagement by company officials.
Therme DC officials expressed satisfaction on coming to the District.
“We are grateful to Mayor Bowser for her bold vision to reimagine Poplar Point in Washington, DC. As Therme expands globally, we are proud to anchor our U.S. presence in the District–bringing an innovative model of urban wellbeing to the nation’s capital,” said Robert Hanea, Chairman and CEO of Therme Group. “Therme DC will foster community in Ward 8, deliver meaningful economic impact, boost tourism, and provide Washingtonians with access to nature and renewal. By combining cutting-edge technology with our commitment to sustainability and holistic well-being, we are setting a new standard for how cities can integrate wellness into everyday life. We look forward to working hand in hand with the District to make this vision a reality.”
Nina Albert, the deputy mayor for Planning and Economic Development, also championed Therme DC’s entrance to the District.
“The District seeks unique destinations that will enhance and diversify the visitor experience in Washington, D.C.,” said Albert. “Therme DC has the added benefit of being a wellness amenity and job creator for D.C. residents, not to mention accelerator of development at Poplar Point.”
Additionally, the release of the Fiscal Year 2025 Green Book, the annual guide about the procurement opportunities with the District government, was announced at the event.
“We are proud to be the bridge between opportunity and success for our local businesses,” said D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans. “The FY25 Green Book, along with grants like Business-to-Business, showcase our unwavering commitment to empowering CBEs and fostering innovation. These tools are designed to help our businesses not only compete but thrive in a way that strengthens communities and contributes to a resilient, inclusive D.C. economy.”
