The National Park Service proposed giving control of the D.C. Armory campus to the District government as the National Guard plans to move out due to construction of the new football stadium across the street.
The 10-acre Armory campus on East Capitol Street has been home to the D.C. National Guard since 1941.
Last week, the National Park Service filed notice with the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) of plans to transfer jurisdiction of the land to D.C., Washington Business Journal first reported. The deal would be much like how the federal government transferred the 174 acres of the RFK Stadium to D.C. government.
The Armory has hosted sporting events, presidential galas and recently was used by the FBI during America 250 celebrations.
While the building is not on the historic register, whether it could be taken down is unknown. A spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser said the proposal from the federal government requires the building to remain intact. NCPC would need to grant approval for demolishing the building.
A spokesperson for the mayor’s RFK Project Management Office said the proposed transfer is a first step.
“This step would ensure the District can determine how this site can best serve residents and surrounding communities in a comprehensive plan,” the spokesperson said. “Any future use of the Armory site will require additional planning and review, including an environmental assessment and opportunities for public engagement and feedback. These processes will help inform the District’s decisions about the site and its role within the larger RFK Campus.”
If approved, the federal government would still own the land, but the D.C. government would have control of developing it. It’s unclear if the federal government would place any restrictions on use of the property.
The Armory site is prime real estate with a Metro station and development around the Washington Commanders’ stadium.
NCPC is scheduled to take up the proposed transfer at its meeting Sept. 3. If approved, the transfer could be completed before the end of the year.
