For more than a decade, the question of whether the city would redevelop the McMillan Sand Filtration site was one of D.C.’s ugliest political battles. Now, the redevelopment is here and the first residents have moved in. But will it live up to everything that it promised?
What Took So Long?
The historic site — which lies between Bloomingdale and the Washington Hospital Center — sat unused for more than 36 years while red tape, local squabbles, and multiple lawsuits held up development. There were protests and appeals, there were protests about the appeals. There were people chaining themselves to things. Neighbors were adamant about their individual visions for the space.
Some opposed giving one of D.C.’s few open spaces away to developers, saying it was too tall, too dense, doesn’t have transportation infrastructure and would cause a traffic nightmare. However, the proponents who said it would provide more housing, boost economic development, and foster walkability ultimately prevailed.
A new park at the old McMillan site in Washington, DC (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
What Is There Now?
The development — now branded as the Reservoir District — has 146 town homes, which range from $800K to $1.7M. However, 22 were also set aside for affordable housing. A new rec center (with an indoor pool that looks into the historic catacombs) and park also opened there in 2024.
But the work is far from complete. Eventually, the development will include nearly 500 apartments as well as retail, a grocery store and office space.
Does it Live Up To Expectations?
Yes, and no. While the development plans pulled through on providing more housing for the city and retaining green space, the amount of retail was significantly scaled down. Specifically, they have had trouble securing a large grocer as originally planned. Two grocery stores pulled out of the project and developers were forced to downscale to a small Sprouts Farmers Market instead.
Additionally, many felt unsatisfied with lack of affordable housing, few transportation options, and general disconnectedness from the surrounding neighborhoods. Much of this is expected (think about when The Wharf first developed), but the real test — whether it can grow into an intentional community space — is yet to come. What do you think?
