Why the RFK Stadium announcement is about more than football.

As a lifelong Washingtonian and loyal Commanders (formerly Redskins) fan, I’m beyond excited about the news that the team is returning to the historic RFK Stadium site. For so many of us, this stretch of land holds decades of memories—tailgates, game-day traditions, the glory days of DC football and of course, Super Bowl banners. While I was pretty young the last time our team played within the hallowed walls of RFK, I still remember tailgates with my dad and the end zones LITERALLY bouncing as fans jumped and cheered on the burgundy and gold. It was an incredible time for both our team and our city.

Now, as we enter a new era—with a franchise quarterback, an outstanding leadership and ownership team, and a recent playoff berth—this news couldn’t come at a better time for fans. But this time, the excitement goes beyond the field.

The city and the Commanders have come together with a bold vision—not just to build a new stadium, but to create a vibrant, mixed-use destination that will reshape this part of the District.

A Transformative Vision for the RFK Campus

The redevelopment of the RFK site covers over 180 acres along the Anacostia River. While plans are still evolving, the proposal includes:

• A state-of-the-art NFL stadium which will also host concerts and other performances. If the proposed conceptual rendering is to be believed, it will be a glass domed building with U.S. Capitol and Monument views.
• Up to 6,000 new residential units – more on this below, of course!
• Public park space and trails
• Dining, retail, and entertainment venues
• Hospitality and hotel offerings
• Community gathering areas
• Easy access to Metro and other transit

This vision reflects a commitment to making the area not just a sports hub—but a neighborhood where people can live, work, and thrive.

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Let’s Talk Real Estate

As a top-producing agent here in DC, I’m especially interested in the housing component of the plan. While specifics are still in the early stages, current proposals suggest:

• 5,000–6,000 new homes will be built
• 30% of those homes will be designated as affordable housing
• A mix of rentals and for-sale properties is expected
• Emphasis on walkability, green space, and community-centered design

One of the most exciting elements of the RFK redevelopment is the proposed public plaza at the center of the campus. Designed as a flexible, open-air gathering space, the plaza will host year-round events like concerts, cultural festivals, outdoor movie nights, and farmers’ markets. For those living in and around the neighborhood, this means easy access to vibrant community programming right outside their doors, adding real lifestyle value to living in the area. From a real estate perspective, it’s the kind of amenity that not only enhances day-to-day quality of life but also contributes to long-term neighborhood desirability and property value. Of course, as with any development, prospective residents will need to balance these benefits with those of increased foot and noise traffic and of course, a more densely populated area.

With thoughtful urban planning, this project has the potential to provide much-needed housing while transforming a long-neglected part of the city into a connected, vibrant neighborhood.

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What’s Next

They are still in the early planning phases, and there are many more details to come—construction timelines, unit types, pricing, and more. But for now, this announcement signals something powerful: a significant investment in DC’s future, and a chance to build something truly community-driven on a site rich in history.

Washington, DC is evolving—and this redevelopment at RFK is a big part of what’s next. It’s not just a win for football fans. It’s a win for the city.

It appears more information will be available in the Summer of 2025. And, of course, as we learned from the supposed move of the Washington Wizards and Capitals to Northern Virginia, everything still needs to be approved by the city!

If you’re curious about how this project may impact the local housing market, or are interested in future opportunities to buy in this area or throughout the Washington, DC Metro Area, I’d love to help.

Fill out the info below, call us at 703-362-3221, or email us at allison@thegoodhartgroup.com / sue@thegoodhartgroup.com to set up a time to schedule a time to chat about how we can help you achieve your real estate goals.

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