Foggy Bottom Resources

Most of the undeveloped, underdeveloped, or maldeveloped land in Foggy Bottom is owned by the federal government or acquired with funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).It is managed through an agreement with the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DCDOT). The unfinished Potomac River Freeway Interchange with the Whitehurst Expressway, the Expressway itself, and the flyover ingress and egress ramps to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge remain the area’s most prominent anachronistic auto-centric structures.

The FHWA has indicated that all undeveloped land in the area is open for alternative uses, and the Department of Transportation has expressed a willingness to consider alternative outcomes for the Interchange in capping the Potomac River Freeway and eliminating ramps. Typically, when land purchased with FHWA funds is considered surplus, the federal government waives repayment based on current value to help municipalities upgrade outdated highway infrastructure. Moreover, the federal government aims to promote housing, commercial development, recreational, and aesthetic purposes. In this case, it aims to expand the memorial core and create additional performance venues adjacent to the Kennedy Center.

Since this is federal land, both DCDOT and the DC government have been reluctant to take action unless the federal government takes the lead. If the federal government decides to proceed, redeveloping federally owned parcels can be fast-tracked. This can affect various aspects of a redevelopment project, including zoning, environmental, and other land use requirements. Ensuring that any development occurs as a public-private partnership with the federal government is likely the best alternative.

Federal funding is essential for the mall expansion, reconnecting the Kennedy Center, and modifying access to the Roosevelt Bridge. However, the NW section, known as the Foggy Bottom urban interface, lends itself to various private sector solutions that could contribute to this goal

The federal government’s direct financial involvement in necessary infrastructure redevelopment in the areas next to the Kennedy Center, the National Mall, and land accommodations/air rights concerning the Potomac River Freeway is essential. However, the Foggy Bottom Urban Interface section best serves as a model for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) development and reflects the current administration’s priorities.