The District’s newest proposal to move the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s headquarters from downtown to Anacostia promises to deliver a state-of-the-art complex at no cost to the transit agency.
Under a preliminary plan drafted by the D.C. government last week, Metro would receive $68 million from the sale of the Jackson Graham Building, site WMATA’s current headquarters, for construction of a 275,000-square-foot headquarters at the Anacostia Metro Station. It would also receive any net proceeds from the sale, and another $40 million to build a pedestrian tunnel between Gallery Place and Metro Center.
“I think it is a very substantial proposal that will benefit all stakeholders,” said Metro Board Member Jim Graham, a D.C. Council member.
The proposal assumes the Jackson Graham Building, at 600 Fifth St. NW, will sell for roughly $108 million, covering the payments to Metro. But just in case, it also pledges the District will finance any shortfall. The transit agency’s headquarters is valued at $58.4 million.
The plan, D.C. officials say, encourages private sector redevelopment of the valuable downtown location while enhancing and accelerating transit-oriented development at the Anacostia Metro. Metro’s financial risk is minimal, and the transit agency will contribute “to the economic renaissance of Anacostia,” drawing more than 1,300 employees to the area, according to the proposal.
The District has long sought to move Metro from its prime real estate, property that earns the city no tax revenue. The transit agency had not received the newest tender as of Wednesday afternoon. Graham hopes the board will begin discussions on May 10.
Metro board member Chris Zimmerman of Arlington said the high cost of customizing a new office building has long led him to resist relocation offers. Any new facility, for example, must include the infrastructure to operate as Metro’s central command.
