Metro seeks developers for new opportunity in Capitol Heights as investment in Blue Line Corridor grows

Fourth of five joint development solicitations expected in 2024 as part of 10-year Strategic Plan for Joint Development

Metro announced the issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a developer with experience creating vibrant and sustainable communities for the Capitol Heights Metro Station, one of four stations on the Blue Line Corridor initiative in Prince George’s County.

The approximately five-and-a-half-acre property is a great transit-oriented development opportunity to provide new housing, neighborhood-serving retail, and improve connectivity adjacent to transit with regional accessibility. After selecting a developer, Metro will negotiate a Joint Development Agreement allowing the developer to develop the site.

On May 17, Maryland State Delegate Jazz M. Lewis announced the State’s $17 million commitment toward transit and site infrastructure to help facilitate and advance development at the Capitol Heights station. Earlier this year, Metro, Prince George’s County and the Town of Capitol Heights executed a Memorandum of Understanding to commemorate a partnership for this great opportunity.

The Capitol Heights Station is an integral part of Prince George’s County Blue Line Corridor vision, a consolidated planning effort to catalyze growth and further private investment between Capitol Heights and Downtown Largo. In advancing this vision, the State of Maryland has provided $450 million to construct a range of new signature facilities along the Corridor, including an amphitheater, market hall, central library and cultural center, civic plaza, youth sports fieldhouse, “complete streets” infrastructure, and the Central Avenue Connector Trail.

This RFQ is the fourth of five joint development solicitations expected to be released this year, as Metro leverages its real estate holdings to generate revenue, build ridership, and create new tax revenues for local and regional partners.

“The value that joint development brings not only to Metro, but to the region, is immeasurable,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “Through transit-oriented development we are building livable, walkable communities, cultivating a new generation of transit users, supporting sustainability, and connecting people to jobs.”

Since issuing its 10-year Strategic Plan for Joint Development in April 2022, Metro and its joint development partners have broken ground on six residential buildings throughout the region, totaling approximately 1,900 units including 1,100 affordable units. Metro also broke ground on the redevelopment of its original headquarters at Gallery Place, which will generate $136 million in new District tax revenue over 30 years. Metro expects to execute up to five new joint development agreements this year, with a goal of 20 new agreements by 2032.

Since 1975, Metro has completed 57 joint development projects, totaling 17 million square feet, more than any other transit agency in the country.

Several projects recently completed include: three new Metro office buildings in the District, New Carrollton in Prince George’s County, and Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria; the CODA on Half Street, a 161-unit residential building at Navy Yard Metro; and three solar energy installations at Anacostia, Southern Avenue, and Naylor Road stations.

In addition to the Capitol Heights Metro Station property, new development solicitations were released earlier this year for Eisenhower Avenue, Deanwood, and North Bethesda Metro stations. An additional solicitation is anticipated for the Brookland-CUA Metro Station later this year.

Metro’s joint development projects are private developments creating vibrant, mixed-use communities on transit-owned property that may require coordination with transit facilities. By working with developers to integrate transit and community development, joint development brings more jobs, generates property taxes, and housing closer to transit which generates increased transit ridership and helps foster regional partnerships in support of Metro’s Strategic Transformation Plan.

Interested developers may view the Capitol Heights Joint Development Solicitation here.

To learn more about other current and future joint development opportunities visit wmata.com/realestate .