- The General Services Administration (GSA) has added HUD’s DC headquarters, the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building, to its “accelerated disposal” list.
- With $500M in deferred maintenance and high operational costs, officials are seeking a more efficient, right-sized workspace for HUD.
- The building’s location is prime—but its landmark status on the National Register of Historic Places could complicate redevelopment plans.
The Details
The GSA is selling HUD’s 57-year-old DC building near L’Enfant Plaza, as reported by Bloomberg. Despite its prime location, the building is aging and expensive: it racks up $56M a year in operating costs and requires $500M in upgrades, including electrical and mechanical systems.
Historic Designation Complicates Sale
The Robert C. Weaver Building’s landmark status imposes federal preservation requirements on any buyer. This means any redevelopment must maintain the building’s historic integrity—demolition or major exterior changes are off the table. These restrictions could limit investor interest.
Federal Workforce Downsizing
With federal staffing levels down and remote work reshaping office needs, the HUD building is currently only half-occupied. HUD Secretary Scott Turner has openly criticized the structure and supports moving the agency into a more modern, efficient facility.
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Next Moves
Officials are considering relocation options within Washington, DC, but cities like Houston, Kansas City, and Akron are also in the mix. President Trump’s recent order gives agencies more freedom in choosing locations, removing prior requirements to prioritize downtown or historic districts.
Why It Matters
The sale reflects a broader federal trend toward reducing underutilized office space and modernizing agency facilities. This marks the second time the administration has floated a sale of the HUD building, though this time it appears committed to fast-tracking the process.
What’s Next
GSA is accepting bids while simultaneously fulfilling legal requirements to offer the property to other government or nonprofit entities. If sold, the transaction would be one of the highest-profile federal property disposals in recent years.
