Community Development- DC's East of the Anacostia River 2025

Anacostia River Realty – East of the River Development Experts

Community – DC’s East of the Anacostia River Development

Get to know DC’s East of the River neighborhoods through local insights, community events, development, & living tips from Anacostia River Realty.

Real estate development east of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC, has been a major area of focus for urban growth, revitalization, and investment in recent years. This region includes neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Anacostia, Congress Heights, and Hillcrest. As of 2025, several key trends and developments are shaping the area:

Affordable Housing: A major concern and focus for developers and local government is the creation of affordable housing. Public-private partnerships, along with funding from local and federal sources, are helping to preserve existing affordable units and develop new ones.
Mixed-Use Developments: The area is increasingly seeing mixed-use projects that combine residential, commercial, and retail spaces. These developments aim to provide a vibrant neighborhood experience while also boosting economic activity. A notable example is the Skyland Town Center in the Congress Heights neighborhood, which is transforming a formerly underdeveloped area into a hub of residential, retail, and office space.
Transportation and Infrastructure: With the planned improvements to public transportation and road networks, including the extension of Metro lines, the area is becoming more accessible. These transportation upgrades are making it easier for residents to commute to downtown DC and neighboring suburbs, making it an attractive place for development.
Cultural and Community Centers: Developers and local leaders are emphasizing the importance of maintaining cultural and historical aspects of the neighborhoods, with a focus on the African American heritage of places like Anacostia. Community spaces and cultural hubs are being integrated into new developments to support local identity and engagement.
Gentrification and Displacement: One challenge associated with the area’s redevelopment is the potential for gentrification, which could lead to the displacement of long-time residents. Efforts are being made to balance development with affordable housing initiatives and to provide support for low-income families in the area.
Economic Growth: With the increase in both private and public investments, the economic landscape of neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River is expected to continue to grow, bringing new businesses, jobs, and amenities to the area. This will likely attract more middle-class residents while also improving access to services and community assets.

The combination of these factors suggests continued transformation and growth for neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River, though challenges remain in terms of affordability, cultural preservation, and ensuring that development benefits all residents.

DEVELOPMENT EAST OF THE ANACOSTIA RIVER

11th Street Bridge Park

This project involves transforming the old 11th Street Bridge into an elevated park connecting Wards 6 and 8. Final design plans have been submitted, with construction expected to begin in 2025 and completion anticipated in the second half of 2027. The park will feature urban agriculture spaces, including a new farm at the Washington View apartments, addressing food access issues in Ward 8.

MLK Gateway

“The chosen team is Menkiti Group and Enlightened, Inc., who plan for an over 50,500-square-foot commercial development with accessible neighborhood-serving retail, tech incubator, and a full-service sit-down restaurant. The project will feature a a fresh food market, health and wellness facilities, and civic plaza with public art. There will also be a Keller Williams brokerage office with a Real Estate Entrepreneurship Career Academy.”

Bridge District

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“This $45 million project is slated to deliver by mid-2019 with designs from OMA +OLIN. This project will transform the freeway bridge over the Anacostia River into an elevated park and new civic space. Expect areas for performances, public art, kayak and canoe launches, as well as an environmental education center.”

Set on 6 acres along the Anacostia River, Bridge District is where culture meets connections, where insightful development spurs innovative workspaces, residences, retail, and restaurants. With unparalleled ease of access on the Green Line and I-295, this burgeoning district offers a distinct alternative to downtown. Be part of a movement that’s moving an entire neighborhood forward.

Learn More

Several significant development projects are underway east of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., aiming to enhance the area’s infrastructure, housing, and community resources. Here are some notable initiatives:

Skyland Town Center

The third and final phase of this mixed-use development has commenced. Located at the intersection of Good Hope Road, Naylor Road, and Alabama Avenue, the project will ultimately offer over 450 residences and 135,000 square feet of retail space. The final phase includes 126 for-sale townhouses, a 75-unit affordable housing complex for seniors, 10,000 square feet of retail space, and a public plaza.

Elizabeth’s East Redevelopment

This ongoing project on a 183-acre site aims to provide housing, retail, educational, and community spaces. The development includes the construction of the Entertainment and Sports Arena, which opened in 2018, and future plans for additional mixed-use buildings to support economic growth and community engagement.

Anacostia Waterfront Initiative

This visionary plan seeks to revitalize areas around the Anacostia River, improving connectivity and promoting economic development. Projects under this initiative include the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, which enhances pedestrian and cyclist access along the river, and efforts to transform underutilized spaces into vibrant community hubs.