A New Hub for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) is reimagining the Anacostia Arts Center (AAC) as the region's largest hub for inclusive entrepreneurship. The new space will honor the AAC's importance to the creative economy, providing resources for small businesses alongside an expanded Black Box Theatre, a marketplace, and co-working and art gallery spaces.
Reimagine a New Anacostia Arts Center
Prepare to experience a new home for entrepreneurs that will also honor culture and community, including spaces for creatives to perform, collaborate, and showcase their work.
The reimagined AAC will increase equitable access to financial capital and advisory services for underinvested entrepreneurs, expand the Black Box Theatre and gallery, and increase access to healthy food options. A new AAC will also offer Historic Anacostia increased foot traffic and economic stimulation. This will ensure the community prospers in place, combats existing hardships, and builds wealth along the way.
Wacif: A Legacy of Community Investment
Founded in 1987, Wacif is a nonprofit financial institution. It aims to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, DC region. Wacif fulfills its mission by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in underserved entrepreneurs, including individual or group technical assistance, connections to industry experts, grants, flexible loans, and lines of credit.
Wacif acquired the AAC in December 2021 to drive equity and opportunity while honoring and uplifting support for the creative economy. Through this project, Wacif will deliver on its mission to drive economic opportunity east of the Anacostia River and increase programming tailored to entrepreneurs of color.
Wacif is currently engaging neighbors to ensure that the reimagined AAC aligns with the community’s needs and vision for the future. Learn more about Wacif.
Funding Partners
News and Updates
- The Plans to Expand the Anacostia Arts Center Read More >>
- Anacostia multiuse arts center sells for $4M. Here’s what we know about the new owner’s plans. Read More >>
- Historic Preservation Review Board Staff Report and Recommendation Read More >>
Frequently Asked Questions
See below for frequently asked questions. These will be updated regularly as the project evolves.
Programming
The project aims to enhance the experience of enjoying arts and performances while supporting local retail and artisans through various marketplace opportunities. The project also seeks to expand the HIVE to provide small businesses a safe space to explore, build an ecosystem, connect, and utilize Wacif’s value-added products and services.
Yes. In addition to enhancing the experience, there will be programs designed to help creatives solidify their business foundations and grow.
The new building will have outdoor spaces for visitors to enjoy the city views and fresh air while taking in a show or event. It will also be ADA-compliant and feature sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems.
Design Construction
The project is currently in predevelopment, which means that design documents are being refined. Outside of any initial predevelopment activities to understand existing conditions, construction will begin once all permits and financing are obtained. Leading up to construction, Wacif and its development team will work with immediately impacted neighbors. Wacif will help neighbors to understand the construction schedule, potential impacts, and mitigation strategies related to noise, dust/debris, traffic, etc. A detailed construction phasing plan is pending development and will be shared immediately upon availability.
The redevelopment of the AAC will ultimately provide improved access to fresh food, retail, arts, and small business support services. We see the new program and building upgrades as an investment in the economic sustainability of the Anacostia neighborhood and MLK/Good Hope Road corridors. As a result, adjacent neighbors will immediately be able to share those benefits.
The construction timeline will be between 15 and 18 months once the ground is broken.
We will coordinate all construction and delivery traffic to minimize impacts during peak traffic times. All construction personnel will park in designated and approved areas. For critical and complex activities—including crane erection, equipment lifting, and large deliveries—off-hours and weekend deliveries and operations will occur to minimize the impact on the community.
The Historic Preservation Office has approved the building’s massing, and we are working with staff to finalize the look and feel. Building permits are the only remaining approvals pending.
Existing Tenants
The AAC was initially envisioned to provide incubator space for retailers to establish, gain exposure, and launch their businesses into other opportunities. This model is being refined to adapt to the current retail landscape but will be honored in the new space. Wacif is providing the existing retailers assistance and resources to relocate into other spaces.
About Wacif
Founded in 1987, Wacif is a nonprofit financial institution. It aims to increase equity and economic opportunity in underserved communities in the Washington, DC region. Wacif fulfills its mission by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in underserved entrepreneurs, including individual or group technical assistance, connections to industry experts, grants, flexible loans, and lines of credit.
Wacif acquired the AAC in December 2021 to drive equity and opportunity while honoring and uplifting support for the creative economy. Through this project, Wacif will deliver on its mission to drive economic opportunity east of the Anacostia River and increase programming tailored to entrepreneurs of color.
How to Get Involved
Starting in Fall 2022, Wacif will launch several opportunities to engage with the community on this exciting redevelopment. In addition to launching a project website, we will host a series of Community Exchanges to introduce Wacif and the redevelopment to the community. We will also obtain stakeholder feedback on various topics pertinent to how the AAC and its programming move into the future. Some of these topics may include:
- Future Branding of AAC
- Entrepreneurship
- Art and Culture
- Food Access
Additionally, Wacif will work with Ward-8-based organizations to share information and participate in meetings, presentations, and conservations over the next several months. We will share more details on the redevelopment and what Wacif is bringing to the community.