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The $27.5 Million Transformation: 7 Shocking Facts About The New Fort Davis Community Center DC

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The Fort Davis Recreation Center in Southeast DC is dead, but a phoenix is rising from the ashes. As of this current date in late 2025, the historic facility at 1400 41st Street, SE, is officially closed to the public, having been slated for complete demolition and replacement as part of a massive, long-awaited $27.5 million modernization project. This is not a simple renovation; it is a full-scale transformation to create the new state-of-the-art Fort Davis Community Center, promising a resilient, modern hub for the residents of Ward 7 and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The news is a significant development for the District of Columbia’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the entire Ward 7 community, which has long anticipated a modern facility to match the needs of a growing, active population. The project is moving forward rapidly, with the groundbreaking ceremony already held by Mayor Muriel Bowser and the construction phase actively underway, setting the stage for a dramatic new era of public leisure and engagement in the Fort Davis Park area.

The Fort Davis Community Center Modernization Project: A Timeline and Scope

The transition from the old Fort Davis Recreation Center to the new Fort Davis Community Center is one of the most ambitious public works projects currently underway in Ward 7. The scope of work is comprehensive, addressing not only the outdated building structure but also the surrounding park amenities to ensure a fully integrated and accessible public space.

1. The Critical Status: Closed for Demolition

For anyone searching for current operating hours or program schedules, the most critical piece of information is the center's status: The Fort Davis Recreation Center is closed for demolition and rebuilding. This closure impacts all previous indoor programs, including open gym sessions and fitness classes, as the site prepares for the removal of the old structure. The DC Department of General Services (DGS) is overseeing the project, working closely with the DPR to manage the transition.

2. The Multi-Million Dollar Investment and Key Entities

The scale of the project underscores the District’s commitment to its eastern communities. The total revamp is budgeted at $27.5 million. This funding is dedicated to transforming the site at 1400 41st Street, SE, which sits within the boundaries of Ward 7. Key entities involved in bringing this vision to life include the District Department of General Services (DGS), the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and the architectural firm Perkins Eastman DC. The construction team is noted to be a partnership between Blue Skye / Coakley & Williams Construction.

3. The Aggressive 2025 Construction Timeline

The project is on an aggressive schedule, with major milestones set for the latter half of 2025. According to official DC DGS updates, the demolition of the existing recreation center is scheduled for Summer 2025. Following the demolition, the construction of the new state-of-the-art facility is slated to begin in Fall 2025. While a final completion date is not yet widely publicized, this timeline suggests the new center will be a major fixture in the District's capital improvement plan (CIP) for the next few years.

Inside the New Fort Davis Community Center: A Hub for the Future

The design for the new Fort Davis Community Center is centered on creating a modern, resilient, and multi-generational facility that can serve a diverse range of community needs. The architects at Perkins Eastman DC developed a series of design goals to ensure the building is an essential asset to the community.

4. State-of-the-Art Indoor Amenities

The new building will feature a wide array of upgraded indoor amenities, ensuring year-round recreational opportunities that were not possible in the older facility. These new spaces are designed to promote physical fitness, digital literacy, and artistic expression:

  • Full-Size Gymnasium: A dedicated space for basketball, volleyball, and other indoor sports.
  • Modern Fitness Center: Equipped with contemporary exercise machines and weights.
  • Tech Lounge: A crucial area for digital access, education, and community connectivity.
  • Dance Studio: A specialized room for choreography, yoga, and other movement-based classes.
  • Gaming Area: A space dedicated to recreational gaming, appealing to youth and young adults.
  • Multipurpose Rooms: Flexible spaces for community meetings, workshops, and private events.

5. Major Park and Outdoor Space Upgrades

The project extends beyond the building itself, incorporating significant improvements to the surrounding Fort Davis Park area. The goal is to enhance accessibility and flow throughout the entire site.

  • New Playground: A completely new, modern playground area is included in the plans, offering a safe and engaging space for children.
  • ADA Compliance: Accessibility is a major focus, with renovations to the lower-level bathrooms for full ADA compliance.
  • Refurbished Park Elements: The plans include reconstructing or refurbishing multiple on-site elements, though specific details on the tennis courts or fields are still pending final design elements.
  • Architectural Features: The design includes an attractive architectural feature in the roof design, adding a distinct, modern aesthetic to the Ward 7 landscape.

The Community Context: Ward 7 and the Future of Fort Davis Park

The new Fort Davis Community Center is more than just a building; it represents a major investment in the health, wellness, and social infrastructure of Ward 7, specifically serving the neighborhoods like Fort Davis and Fort Dupont Park.

6. Addressing Historical and Budgetary Challenges

The path to this modernization was not without obstacles. Records indicate that the project faced challenges, including a BAFO (Best and Final Offer) and re-bid process due to budget constraints. Additionally, the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) required the addition of GCC (Green Construction Code) commissioning, ensuring the new facility meets high standards for sustainability and resilience. Navigating these complexities demonstrates the District’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, long-lasting facility.

7. A New Era of Community Engagement

The new Fort Davis Community Center is designed to be a central asset for the community, providing a safe, modern space for people of all ages. The inclusion of a tech lounge and a fitness center, alongside traditional recreational spaces like the gymnasium, reflects a forward-thinking approach to community services. The center will serve as a vital location for the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7B and other local organizations, fostering a stronger sense of local identity and well-being.

While the temporary closure is an inconvenience for residents, the promise of a $27.5 million, state-of-the-art facility—with demolition scheduled for Summer 2025 and construction starting in Fall 2025—is a powerful indicator of a bright future for recreation in Southeast DC. The new Fort Davis Community Center will truly be a landmark for Ward 7 for generations to come.

fort davis recreation center dc
fort davis recreation center dc

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