Bowser Proposed One Dollar Lease for Wellness Resort
Mayor Muriel Bowser has unveiled a lease proposal for a 600,000-square-foot wellness resort at Poplar Point.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Remote Work
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Mayor Muriel Bowser introduced a plan to lease Poplar Point land for $1 annually for 20 years to accommodate a massive new wellness resort. The project, proposed by Therme, is designed to feature thermal pools, saunas, and cold plunges.
Why it matters
The development aims to transform the 110-acre Poplar Point site into a significant hub for local employment and municipal tax growth. By relocating existing federal police facilities, the administration seeks to unlock prime real estate for private investment.
The proposed 600,000-square-foot facility is expected to generate $1.5 billion in tax revenue over 25 years. This development would create 5,000 construction jobs and 700 permanent roles.
The players
Muriel Bowser
Muriel Bowser is the current Mayor of Washington, D.C., who is leading the push to develop the Poplar Point waterfront.
Therme
Therme is an international wellness company that operates thermal-focused resorts and currently manages four locations across Germany and Romania.
Janeese Lewis George
Janeese Lewis George is the incoming Mayor of Washington, D.C., scheduled to take office in January 2027.
U.S. Park Police
The U.S. Park Police is a federal law enforcement agency that has agreed to relocate its current facilities to clear the way for the Poplar Point project.
D.C. Council
The D.C. Council is the legislative branch of the District of Columbia government tasked with approving the proposed lease agreement.
The details
The project includes a 70-acre public park alongside the wellness resort, which will be modeled after four existing outposts in Germany and Romania. The proposal is currently awaiting formal approval from the D.C. Council before it can proceed.
Timeline
2023: Therme first introduced the wellness resort concept.
September 2026: Mayor Bowser unveiled the formal lease proposal.
January 2027: New mayor Janeese Lewis George assumes office.
First 20 years: Duration of the proposed $1 annual lease.
25 years: Period for projected $1.5 billion tax revenue.
Market Landscape
This project represents a significant shift in the city's approach to public land usage by prioritizing large-scale wellness tourism to drive economic growth. It follows the precedent of major waterfront redevelopments like The Wharf that leverage private investment for urban renewal.
Residents can expect the creation of 700 permanent jobs at the site once the facility is operational. The project also promises the addition of a 70-acre public park, increasing available recreational space for the local community.
The takeaway
The move to lease public land for $1 signifies a high-stakes bet on wellness tourism as a pillar of future city revenue. Citizens should monitor upcoming D.C. Council hearings to see how the lease terms evolve before the next mayoral transition.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing urban development initiatives in the district, visit the Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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Should city-owned riverfront land be prioritized for a private luxury spa or for public housing?
