Washington, DC – Today, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Valerie Santos and the Ward 6 community kicked off the demolition of 800 Water Street, SW marking the beginning of a massive $1 billion mixed-use redevelopment plan headed for the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood.

“This is an exciting project that has vast civic and economic implications not only for the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood but for the District as a whole,” said Mayor Fenty. “A revamped and reenergized Southwest Waterfront will generate thousands of jobs, millions of dollars for the local economy and a plethora of cultural opportunities for District residents.”

Located along the Washington Channel and with easy access to downtown, the Southwest Waterfront area is well positioned to transform into a vibrant urban destination where maritime activity, commerce and cultural attractions integrate seamlessly with residential and affordable living. Approved by DC Council in 2003, the redevelopment plans call for 14 acres of parks and open space and 780,000 square feet of office, cultural and retail space. 770 units of residential housing and 230 of affordable housing are also slated for construction.

The District government will contribute nearly $200 million through a tax increment financing program that leverages future taxes generated at the site to pay for infrastructure costs including roads, utilities and parks. The master development plan will be submitted October 2010 with phase 1 construction expected to begin in 2012.

“The new Southwest Waterfront will create 2,800 permanent jobs and 3,000 construction jobs for the city,” said Deputy Mayor Santos. “We expect this project to completely transform the Waterfront community and invite new residents to settle there.”

The development team of Hoffman-Struever Waterfront LLC includes: PN Hoffman, Madison Marquette, Struever Bros. Eccles & Rouse, McCormack Baron Salazar, ER Bacon Development, Triden Development, Paramount Development, Gotham Development and City Partners. A variety of interim programming will fill the space while the District begins to implement its plan for growth of Southwest.

Media Contacts

• Kate Stanton, (202) 727-2823