By Maura Stevens
February 2026

The Therme Group, a global wellness company, has been selected to develop the Anacostia waterfront known as Poplar Point into a state-of-the-art health and wellbeing destination. 

Poplar Point is a 110-acre site that has remained undeveloped for decades. This project represents a step forward in the satisfaction of requirements in the DC Land Act that would allow the transfer of Poplar Point from the National Park Service to The District. The District is currently working completing this transfer.

The plan for the development of the center encompass affordable and accessible amenities including thermal baths, saunas and wet rooms, thermal and mineral pools, relaxation beds, water slides, a large variety of restaurants all surrounded by lush greenery. The remaining 95 acres will be used to include a 70 acre river front park and trail system and 25 acres for mixed use development.

The Therme DC project is estimated to generate: 

• $1.5 billion in tax revenue over 25 years, 
• 5,000 local construction jobs during development, and 
• 720 permanent jobs upon completion. 

The project is expected to be completed in 2028