Therme Group to Realise First US Destination in Washington, D.C.

(eap) The Austrian Therme Group is getting closer to realizing its first thermal spa project in the USA. Together with Washington D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), the Group has announced that its proposal has been selected to realize Therme DC on the Poplar Point site in Ward Eight. The 15 acre (six hectare) site will feature a health and wellness destination combining a variety of saunas, thermal and mineral pools, waterslides, immersive art, a wide selection of restaurants and a natural atmosphere through the integration of plants and trees.

“We know that Therme DC is a great fit for Poplar Point. Not only will it create jobs and opportunity, it will serve as a catalyst for economic growth along the Anacostia waterfront in Ward 8,” highlights Mayor Bowser. The Therme DC project is expected to generate USD 1.5 billion in tax revenue over 25 years as well as create 5,000 local jobs during development and 720 permanent jobs upon completion.

“We are grateful to Mayor Bowser for her bold vision to reimagine Poplar Point in Washington, DC. As Therme expands globally, we are proud to anchor our U.S. presence in the District – bringing an innovative model of urban wellbeing to the nation’s capital,” explains Robert Hanea, Chairman and CEO of Therme Group. “Therme DC will foster community in Ward Eight, deliver meaningful economic impact, boost tourism and provide Washingtonians with access to nature and renewal. By combining cutting-edge technology with our commitment to sustainability and holistic wellbeing, we are setting a new standard for how cities can integrate wellness into everyday life. We look forward to working hand in hand with the District to make this vision a reality.”

The project update follows Therme Group’s announcement at the end of February that the company had formed a joint venture with the US real estate group The Georgetown Company for co-ownership and exclusive partnership to develop its US business (see EAP News of 27.02.25). In the coming years, a total of nine further wellness destinations are to be developed by the group in the USA. In addition, further locations are underway for Dubai, Manchester (UK), Toronto (Canada), Bad Vilbel (Germany) and Incheon (South Korea). ■