While the proposal to bring the Washington Commanders back to Washington, D.C. has become an ongoing source of drama, with over 500 D.C. residents taking part in a public hearing on the subject this past week, it seems like the multi-billion-dollar project is still on track for approval.
The project, which aims to build a new cutting-edge stadium at the current RFK Stadium site to serve as the new home for the Washington Commanders and to redevelop the surrounding 190 acres of Eastern D.C.!
Now, with the D.C. city council’s final approval for this megaproject seemingly on the horizon, the Washington Commanders’ head of real estate, Andy VanHorn, shared what the redevelopment may look like.
What the RFK Stadium neighborhood will look like
The stadium deal, as it is currently presented by the D.C. government and the Washington Commanders organization, will split the 190-acre area into six unique zones, which can be seen labeled above.
The six zones, or districts, are as follows:
- Stadium District – Location of the “Super Bowl” ready arena, which will serve as the new home for the Washington Commanders and also operate as a venue for major events. This zone is expected to be built by the Washington Commanders organization.
- Plaza District – Near the Stadium-Armory metro station, this area would be an entertainment hotspot featuring housing, hotels, retail, and dining destinations.
- Riverfront District – An area south of the planned stadium site that will feature housing, restaurants, and retail locations.
- Kingman Park District – The northernmost area of the planned redevelopment, Kingman Park, would be dedicated to housing and serve as a transitional zone from the residential areas nearby and the entertainment district.
- Recreation District – Planned to host a new $89 million “youth-focused” indoor sports complex in addition to maintaining ‘The Fields at RFK Campus’.
- Anacostia Commons – Designated as a buffer area along the Anacostia River to ensure the preservation of the local ecosystems.
When would the RFK neighborhood redesign project be completed?
According to Axios D.C., it’s unlikely that all neighborhoods will reach 100% completion until the 2040s. At this point, the redeveloped area will ideally have generated at least a moderate return on the District’s investment.
The Commanders’ goal for the stadium is to be prepared in time for the 2030 NFL season, but that possibility still depends on the D.C. Council agreeing to the plan soon. If the council decides to reject the plan or further postpones its decision-making process, it could prompt the Commanders to seek other opportunities outside the District.
Currently, the first vote from the council is slated to be held on Friday, August 1st, but final approval may not be obtained until September.