The Dig: Anacostia — What’s Happening and What You Should Know

This column in written by Randy LiVorsi, of the District Residential Group. A DC resident for 16 years, he is licensed in DC and VA. Randy holds a Masters in Organizational Management and Development and is a certified project manager with a current PMP. Each month he will dig into all things DC area real estate. He is also a General in the KISS Army, so get ready to rock and real estate all night, and party every day!

With so many cranes across D.C., and the incredible amount of real estate development and opportunities happening, let’s dig into the 20020 zip code (Historic Anacostia, Hill Crest, Randle Heights and many others). We’ll see what’s there, what’s coming and how these developments are driving factors influencing that market.

If you’ve been or are considering purchasing, this should provide timely, valuable information. For 20020 sellers, this is pertinent information that affects the value of your home.

What’s already there?

Uniontown Bar and Grill plus other restaurants along MLK are showing that small local businesses can open and thrive.

Hive 2.0, a small business incubator, acts as home base for more than 55 entrepreneurs, and a lively arts district gives this area an established lively culture and strong base.

What’s coming will supercharge the area. Let’s take a look.

11th St. Bridge Park 

Announced in 2014 and being built on the old pillars of the 11th St. Bridge, this expansive ‘bridge park’ will be roughly the size of 3 football fields placed back to back spanning the Anacostia River (connecting Wards 6 and Wards 7 & 8).

D.C.’s first ‘elevated public park’ this ambitious project is intended to be a green space used for residents on both sides of the river to explore healthy recreation, environmental education, entertainment (yes, concerts on a bridge ABOVE the river) and a shared platform for the arts.

Similar to the High Line in NYC, this is a green initiative repurposing the pylons with what looks to be a spectacular pedestrian park bridge.

The Wizards Training Center

Although located in adjacent zip code 20032, this project will bring benefits to not just its home zip, but the southern part of 20020.

Located adjacent to Congress Heights Metro, the arena is expected to draw almost a half a million visitors annually and will be a economic force in the area for years to come. Think — jobs, fun and a thriving local economy. Learn more at this link.

DHS Consolidation in SE

The Department of Homeland Security headquarters is targeted to be built on the old campus of St. Elizabeths.

The intention is to consolidate the department and allow the government to dispense with over 50 leases currently in use to house different parts of the agency. This is the largest construction project in the metro D.C. area since the Pentagon was built during WWII.

Costly and controversial, with a delayed completion date now set for 2021, if this project is successfully completed, it will no doubt be a massive economic boost.

Let’s take a look at the numbers for 20020. Below are the most recent stats available via RBI Market Stats.

Those are impressive numbers. A 50.6% increase in total dollar volume year over year, with 28% increase in closed sales. Double digit growth on every other indicator and what would logically follow as a decrease (albeit small) for average DOM (days on market).

What else can account for the growth in 20020?

Accessibility/Transportation

20020 benefits from having three major connecting points for driving commuters across the Anacostia.

At its most southern tip sits Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge which sits right off of Nats Park and connects the Southwest Waterfront to Anacostia. Centrally, the 11th St. Bridge connects Navy Yard. And lastly Pennsylvania Avenue connects Capitol Hill with the most NE section of 20020.

The Green and Blue lines as well as bus lines allow for public transportation options. Don’t forget about Capital Bike share either — burn those calories.

Affordability/Rising Prices

It is no secret that this factor continues to be a major challenge for buyers in many areas of the city. This is pushing more potential first time home buyers to consider buying on the East side of the river.

By no means is this an exhaustive list of factors.

What do you think, D.C.? If you’ve bought recently in this area, were any of these factors in your decision? If you are a current resident, what thoughts do you have — good, bad, ugly — about the projects and their impacts on your neighborhood?