Big changes are coming to Anacostia. The District has announced that Poplar Point will be the future home of Therme DC — a massive, 500,000-square-foot wellness resort developed in partnership with Therme Group. This $500 million project aims to turn 15 of the 110 acres at Poplar Point into a year-round destination for relaxation, recreation, and economic growth.
Expected to be completed over a three-year construction period, the facility will feature indoor water slides, swim-up bars, multiple pools, steam rooms, and more than 20 saunas. Therme DC will be open 16 hours a day, welcoming up to 5,000 guests at a time. The company estimates the resort will attract 2 million visitors annually.
Along with its promise of leisure and wellness, the project also brings major economic potential. City officials estimate 5,000 construction jobs will be created temporarily, with 700 permanent jobs once the resort opens. Local leaders in Anacostia see this as a huge win for the area’s economy and future development.
At a recent economic summit, Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized the significance of the location: “This is one of our last great waterfront development opportunities not just in D.C. but on the entire East Coast.”
Therme Group, which operates similar wellness destinations across Europe, chose Washington, D.C. for its first U.S. location. The vision for Therme DC includes not only spa and water attractions but also food, art, and cultural programming — aiming to offer a well-rounded, immersive experience for residents and visitors alike.
One major hurdle still remains: the land at Poplar Point is currently federally controlled. It won’t be transferred to the city until a helipad and a public safety facility are relocated. Even so, momentum is strong, and the vision is bold.
City leaders project the resort could generate $1.5 billion in tax revenue over the next 20+ years, helping to revitalize the eastern side of the Anacostia River and turn Poplar Point into a must-visit destination in the nation’s capital.