Ward 8 Residents Debate Prospect of Urban Spa on Poplar Point

October 7, 2025

Therme Group is planning to develop a $500 million indoor-outdoor wellness facility at Poplar Point along the Anacostia River in Ward 8, Washington D.C. The project, which spans 15 acres and includes thermal baths, saunas, pools, and other amenities, is being promoted by local resident Wanda Lockridge as an economic development opportunity for an area that has been contaminated and unused for over 30 years. Before construction can begin, an environmental assessment must be completed and the land must be transferred from the National Park Service to D.C. government. The development will also include mixed-use residential buildings with ground-floor retail and is intended to be accessible to local residents through community partnerships, workforce training, and discounted rates.

Who is affected

Ward 8 residents and communities
Local entrepreneurs and business owners
Ward 8 seniors and elderly populations
Job seekers in the area
Local organizations (including United Planning Organization, HOPE Project, Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Ballou Senior High School, and University of the District of Columbia)
Advisory neighborhood commissions in Ward 8
D.C. government and National Park Service

What action is being taken

Wanda Lockridge is actively engaging with Ward 8 organizations, programs, and advisory neighborhood commissions to promote the project
Therme is conducting community outreach to address concerns about accessibility and displacement
The D.C. government and National Park Service are awaiting completion of an environmental assessment
The Ward 8 Community Economic Development Think Tank is collecting endorsements from local entities to ensure the project benefits current residents
Therme has taken a delegation of Ward 8 residents and community leaders to visit a Therme facility in Europe

Why it matters

This development represents the first major revitalization of Poplar Point after 30 years of neglect and contamination, potentially creating jobs and economic opportunities in Ward 8. The project aligns with the Bowser administration's "Growth Agenda" focused on business attraction, job growth, and new tax revenue, while also addressing health and wellness disparities in Ward 8. The development could connect Ward 8 residents to the waterfront, create recreational opportunities, preserve green space, and complement other local investments like the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center and DC Health headquarters. For many residents, the project offers potential employment, business opportunities, and improved access to wellness facilities.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer