Mayor Bowser Announces Selection of Therme Group’s Health and Wellbeing Destination at Poplar Point

Set amidst a brand-new 70-acre park, Therme Group’s ‘urban oasis’ at Poplar Point – Therme DC – will be an exciting new addition to Washington’s Anacostia waterfront, delivering access to a state-of-the-art wellbeing destination in Ward 8, boosting tax revenues and creating thousands of new jobs for District residents.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced that the District has selected Therme Group’s proposal to bring a new, dynamic use to Poplar Point in Ward 8: Therme DC. Under the proposal, Therme Group would develop 15 of Poplar Point’s 110 acres into a state-of-the-art health and wellbeing destination that would deliver a unique experience and spur economic growth along the waterfront. A global leader in urban wellbeing, the facility would offer affordable and accessible amenities never seen before in North America, including thermal baths, dozens of saunas and wet rooms, thermal and mineral pools, exhilarating waterslides, relaxation beds, immersive art, a wide variety of restaurants and an abundance of plants and trees.

“We know that Therme DC is a great fit for Poplar Point. Not only will it create jobs and opportunity, it will serve as a catalyst for economic growth along the Anacostia waterfront in Ward 8,” said Mayor Bowser. “This is a unique opportunity for DC and an economic driver for Ward 8—creating jobs, attracting visitors and delivering new opportunities for our residents.”

Viewed as one of the last significant waterfront development opportunities on the East Coast, Poplar Point is a 110-acre site that has remained undeveloped for decades. With the arrival of Therme DC, the site is expected to include a 70-acre riverfront park and trail system and 25-acres for mixed-use development. Anchoring Poplar Point’s transformation into a shared space for the community, Therme DC will be a powerful engine for economic growth in Ward 8 and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Therme DC project is estimated to generate:

• $1.5 billion in tax revenue over 25 years

• 5,000 local construction jobs during development

• 720 permanent jobs upon completion

In alignment with Mayor Bowser's DC Comeback Plan, Therme Group is committed to:

• Investing in workforce development, with a training and hiring plan focused on building a local workforce for both construction and operations jobs–ensuring that economic benefits flow directly to DC residents, particularly in Ward 8.

• Launching a community wellbeing investment initiative to support local businesses and fund arts and culture activations across the site.

• Offering discounted entry fees to its facility for seniors, youth, athletic clubs and local area residents while fostering partnerships with organizations and community groups to provide special access and programming.

• Offering affordable health and wellness opportunities and education for District residents.

“We are grateful to Mayor Bowser for her bold vision to reimagine Poplar Point in Washington, DC. As Therme expands globally, we are proud to anchor our U.S. presence in the District–bringing an innovative model of urban wellbeing to the nation’s capital,” said Robert Hanea, Chairman and CEO of Therme Group. “Therme DC will foster community in Ward 8, deliver meaningful economic impact, boost tourism and provide Washingtonians with access to nature and renewal. By combining cutting-edge technology with our commitment to sustainability and holistic wellbeing, we are setting a new standard for how cities can integrate wellness into everyday life. We look forward to working hand in hand with the District to make this vision a reality.”

The District is currently working to complete the federal transfer of Poplar Point from the National Park Service (NPS) to the District. That process includes a land use plan and an Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider uses on the site. The District will propose an anchor use in its alternatives. In 2024, DMPED released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for a catalytic, large-scale destination anchor to be built at Poplar Point. The Therme Group submitted their proposal and the District has now selected Therme Group’s proposal, subject to the EA process.

As the District works to gain control of Poplar Point from NPS, Therme Group will continue this close engagement to ensure its vision reflects the needs of Ward 8 and the surrounding communities. DMPED and Therme Group first announced in 2023 their mutual interest in finding a suitable site for the facility in the District. Since then, Therme Group has participated in an extensive community engagement process involving meetings with local leaders and civic organizations and attending community meetings to gather input from residents. To date, more than 1,500 Washingtonians have expressed support for a Therme facility at Poplar Point.

“The District seeks unique destinations that will enhance and diversify the visitor experience in Washington, DC,” said Nina Albert, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. “Therme DC has the added benefit of being a wellness amenity and job creator for DC residents, not to mention accelerator of development at Poplar Point.”

“From the beginning, our goal has been to bring a unique, community-driven destination to our nation’s capital city. After extensive collaboration with District leaders and community stakeholders, Poplar Point emerged as the clear choice: a site where we can increase access to wellbeing, expand public green space and invest in a historically underserved neighborhood,” said John Alschuler, Chair of Therme Group US. “We aim for this project to be a leading example of how effective public-private partnerships can promote wellbeing, foster human connection and strengthen our relationship with nature–with equity and accessibility at its core.”

“Cities thrive when they create spaces that bring people together. Around the world, we’re seeing a growing demand for third spaces—places where culture, nature and community intersect,” said Robert Hammond, President of Therme Group US and co-founder of The High Line in New York City. “Therme DC will be a transformative addition to the city’s landscape and will set a new standard for how cities can integrate wellbeing into the fabric of urban downtowns, bringing access to green spaces, wellness and community-driven programming for both residents and visitors.”

"Therme coming to Poplar Point marks a pivotal moment for our community. We are excited to welcome a world-class public park, new investments in local businesses and a one-of-a-kind wellbeing facility - rooted in community and accessibility – that will bring long-overdue benefits to this historic community. I applaud Mayor Bowser and Therme for their visionary partnership and commitment to thoughtfully curated, comprehensive development. Anacostia is ready for this transformational investment and I look forward to working with them and our community to bring the Therme Washington, DC project to life," said Kristina Noell, Anacostia BID.

“Therme DC will be a space for Washingtonians to reconnect with nature and each other – especially for communities East of the River. It will also sweep you off your feet. It’s not just another place for recreation and retail; Therme offers a deeply healing and restorative experience,” said Brenda Richardson, community advocate and Ward 8 resident. “This facility will help us create an incredible new public park and give community members access to parts of Poplar Point that have been closed to the public for decades. Washingtonians will love Therme DC and I can't wait for us to experience it together soon."

“Therme is the latest in a series of exciting developments that play a role in ensuring that Washington, DC remains a top destination for more than 26 million visitors annually, while fostering a vibrant and welcoming environment for local businesses and residents,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of Destination DC. “Its location along the Anacostia River will give visitors additional reasons to visit Poplar Point and the surrounding area, benefiting local businesses and residents.”

About Therme DC
Therme DC will be a state-of-the-art wellbeing destination spanning hundreds of thousands of square feet, featuring thermal baths, dozens of saunas and wet rooms, thermal and mineral pools, exhilarating waterslides, relaxation beds, immersive art, a wide variety of restaurants and an abundance of plants and trees. Offering a diversity of inclusive wellness experiences that utilize cutting-edge sustainable technologies, biophilic architecture, lush greenery and water to create a rejuvenating and relaxing third space, the facility will be made available through inclusive pricing and will allow people to reconnect with nature, self and each other.

About Therme Group
Therme Group is a global developer, owner and operator pioneering the future of wellbeing through a new type of social infrastructure designed to enhance physical, mental and social health. By integrating nature, water and technology, Therme creates immersive, inclusive urban spaces that foster health, social connection and cultural engagement.

With locations across Europe—including Therme Bucharest, the world’s first LEED Platinum-certified wellbeing infrastructure and Therme Erding, the world’s largest wellbeing destination—Therme Group welcomes over 3.5 million visitors annually. Upcoming projects in Manchester, Frankfurt, Toronto and the U.S. will continue to expand its transformative approach to urban wellbeing.

Each Therme destination offers a diverse, multi-sensory experience, from thermal and mineral pools, saunas and lush botanical spaces to swim-up bars, exhilarating waterslides and cultural programming. Driven by the belief that wellbeing should be accessible to all, Therme Group is redefining how cities integrate health, nature and human connection—creating scalable, sustainable solutions for the future of urban life.