Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced that the District has selected Therme Group’s proposal to bring a new, dynamic use to Poplar Point in Ward 8: Therme DC.
Under the proposal, Therme Group would develop 15 of Poplar Point’s 110 acres into a state-of-the-art health and wellbeing destination that would deliver a unique experience and spur economic growth along the waterfront. A global leader in urban wellbeing, the facility would offer affordable and accessible amenities never seen before in North America, including thermal baths, dozens of saunas and wet rooms, thermal and mineral pools, exhilarating waterslides, relaxation beds, immersive art, a wide variety of restaurants and an abundance of plants and trees.
Mayor Muriel Bowser
Viewed as one of the last significant waterfront development opportunities on the East Coast, Poplar Point is a 110-acre site that 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. Anchoring Poplar Point’s transformation into a shared space for the community, Therme DC will be a powerful engine for economic growth in Ward 8 and surrounding neighborhoods.
The Therme DC project is estimated to generate:
● $1.5 billion in tax revenue over 25 years
● 5,000 local construction jobs during development
● 720 permanent jobs upon completion
In alignment with Mayor Bowser's DC Comeback Plan, Therme Group is committed to:
● Investing in workforce development, with a training and hiring plan focused on building a local workforce for both construction and operations jobs–ensuring that economic benefits flow directly to DC residents, particularly in Ward 8.
● Launching a community wellbeing investment initiative to support local businesses and fund arts and culture activations across the site.
● Offering discounted entry fees to its facility for seniors, youth, athletic clubs and local area residents while fostering partnerships with organizations and community groups to provide special access and programming.
● Offering affordable health and wellness opportunities and education for District residents.
Robert Hanea, Chairman and CEO of Therme Group
The District is currently working to complete the federal transfer of Poplar Point from the National Park Service (NPS) to the District. That process includes a land use plan and an Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider uses on the site. The District will propose an anchor use in its alternatives. In 2024, DMPED released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for a catalytic, large-scale destination anchor to be built at Poplar Point. The Therme Group submitted their proposal and the District has now selected Therme Group’s proposal, subject to the EA process.
As the District works to gain control of Poplar Point from NPS, Therme Group will continue this close engagement to ensure its vision reflects the needs of Ward 8 and the surrounding communities. DMPED and Therme Group first announced in 2023 their mutual interest in finding a suitable site for the facility in the District. Since then, Therme Group has participated in an extensive community engagement process involving meetings with local leaders and civic organizations and attending community meetings to gather input from residents. To date, more than 1,500 Washingtonians have expressed support for a Therme facility at Poplar Point.
Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
John Alschuler, Chair of Therme Group US
Robert Hammond, President of Therme Group US and co-founder of The High Line in New York City
Kristina Noell, Anacostia BID
Brenda Richardson, community advocate and Ward 8 resident
Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of Destination DC