A New Hub for Inclusive Entrepreneurship
The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) is reinvigorating the Anacostia Arts Center (AAC) to cement itself as the region's premier hub for arts, culture, and inclusive entrepreneurship. The revamped space will honor the AAC's importance to the creative economy by elevating the Black Box Theatre’s technical capabilities, providing street front visibility for retail incubation, modernizing the HIVE co-working facility, and expending the art gallery and event spaces to better support community activations and the overall user experience.
Reimagine a New Anacostia Arts Center
The improvements to the Anacostia Arts Center are not just limited to its physical space. Since acquiring the building and assuming operations in 2021, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) has gained an intimate understanding of the challenges local entrepreneurs are facing and its position in the community. Having test piloted programmatic initiatives such as the Creator’s Academy, Afro House, and the Fusion Festival, Wacif intends on expanding on such efforts through strategic partnerships to collaborate on programs and events aimed at increasing access to capital, resources, and networks for the entrepreneurs we serve, while remaining accessible to the community. To further our efforts, Wacif wants to hear more from you and will be hosting a series of upcoming events to hear your thoughts to ensure its legacy continues as a third space for area residents and community organizations. Stay tuned as more information to collaborate in the future vision will be announced!
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. Learn more about Wacif.
Architect: Drummond Projects (pictured)
General Contractor: Corenic Construction
Meet the Team
Shannan Herbert
Wacif CEO
Messay Derebe
AAC General Director
Michael E. Johns, Jr.
Wacif Project Manager
Drummond Projects
Lead Architect
Corenic Construction
General Contractor
Funding Partners
News and Updates
- WACIF selects design, construction teams for Anacostia Arts Center redevelopment
Read More >> - 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.