OMA RFK Stadium-Armory Campus Washington DC
After extensive feedback and design review following the initial long-term design concepts presented, Events DC has updated its proposal into a single, long-term vision which incorporates the strongest and most appreciated aspects of each of the previous concepts. The revised concept highlights the following assets: feasible infrastructure improvements, integrated and hidden parking, utilization of natural resources and activation of the waterfront corridor.
The recommended short-term elements:
Three multi-purpose recreation and community playing fields; available to the public and useable in the evening;
A Market Hall; conveniently located next to Kingman Park, which offers concessions, prepared food and groceries for both neighborhood residents and visitors to the site;
Sports and Recreation Complex, housing a variety of sport programs for families, youth and amateur sports; to be developed with a partner and identified as a destination, in addition to a neighborhood amenity;
Three pedestrian bridges that will connect the main site to Kingman and Heritage Islands, each of which fits with ease and comfort into the surrounding site for better pedestrian flow and access;
A memorial to Robert F. Kennedy, to be built as a replacement to the Stadium, as it is planned to be demolished. This living monument will serve as a place to engage visitors and educate the next generation.
As previously announced in April, the long-term vision still incorporates provisions for three anchor scenarios: (a) 20K Seat Arena, (b) NFL Stadium and (c) No Anchor. All three anchor scenarios reflect a phased approach intended to support and complement the short-term programming elements that will immediately activate the site with uses that will serve and connect the greater DC community.
In the updated long-term vision, new sports and recreational elements will activate the site substantially, allowing it to become a significant bridge to the at-large Monumental Axis which fully utilizes the natural condition of the Campus and leverages the waterfront. The long-term vision emphasizes the addition of roads that will provide a cross-grain to the current arterial roads, to make the entirety of the site, program elements and parking more accessible and traversable. In addition, based on community feedback received, the amount of green space will be increased by 240% to make the site more sustainable for years to come.
The RFK Campus redevelopment project’s funding sources include Events DC, as well as public and private partners. Specific partners will be identified and announced as plans for the Campus continue to progress. This project falls directly within Events DC’s mission to drive entertainment, sports and tourism in the District – as well as economic and community benefits. As a next step, Events DC will continue to maintain an open dialogue with the community and will look to receive the appropriate approvals from necessary government and regulatory agencies in an effort to move forward with the proposed short-term elements for the Campus.
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