
D.C. developments to watch in 2026
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
It's a new year for D.C. — time to check in on some real estate projects happening around town.
Why it matters: The DMV's skyline is constantly evolving, with future developments always in the pipeline — think Therme, or a new Southwest neighborhood — but it can take years to see progress.
State of play: Here are some local projects gaining traction this year:

🏀 Capital One Arena
The arena will enter the middle portion of its multi-phase, $800 million renovation in 2026, a Monumental Sports spokesperson tells Axios.
- Expect to see four tiers of luxe new suites open at the arena later this year, plus a business and conference center, Monumental's new offices (next door to the arena), a new entrance at 7th and F streets, and a new premium entrance on 6th Street.
- Also: Work will begin on a refresh of the building's facade, with a design inspired by the nearby Portrait Gallery, a new main entry, and visual displays. ETA: 2027.
The arena's full reno is still on track to wrap up by the 2027-2028 season, per the spokesperson.

🌳 11th Street Bridge Park
Following delays, construction is slated to finally kick off on the park this summer — a project 13 years in the making, park director Scott Kratz tells Axios.
- The X-shaped park will stretch over the Anacostia River, linking the Anacostia and Navy Yard neighborhoods, with an amphitheater, environmental education center, café, playspace, gathering spots, trails, urban gardens, and canoe and kayak launches.
- ETA: the second half of 2028.

💫 Bezos Learning Center
Above-ground construction on the National Air and Space Museum's learning center is expected to kick off in March, a museum spokesperson tells Axios. It's funded in part by a $200 million donation from Jeff Bezos.
- The 2.5-acre center — which will sit on the National Mall next to the museum on its former food court site — will have a spiraling galaxy-inspired design, with a 700-person restaurant, space to host school groups and events, and an outdoor Astronomy Park and Learning Courtyard.
- ETA: 2028.

🏈 Stadium District
Initial utilities construction on the Stadium District — aka the portion of the RFK campus housing the future Commanders stadium — will begin this year, a spokesperson for Mayor Muriel Bowser's office tells Axios.
- The plan: Have this area up and running by 2030.
- Yes, but: Other neighborhoods slated for development on the campus will likely be delayed, thanks to zoning issues.
And while the team has started the design process for the new stadium, Trump World has weighed in with its thoughts: Make it Colosseum-esque.

🌉 Bridge District
The second phase of the Ward 8 neighborhood is expected to open at the end of this year, a spokesperson says.
- Expect more retail (exact deets TBD) and housing — including a residential building that would be D.C.'s largest made of timber — with green spaces and areas for outdoor dining.
