Mayor Bowser Launches “Office to Anything” Program to Activate Vacant and Underutilized Office Spaces into New Commercial Uses
Washington, DC – January 14, 2025 – Mayor Muriel Bowser today launched the “Office to Anything” program, a new initiative to activate vacant and underutilized office spaces into new commercial uses. The program will provide financial assistance to businesses and property owners to transform these spaces into retail, residential, mixed-use, or other commercial enterprises.
“We have a unique opportunity to use our vacant office spaces to revitalize our neighborhoods and create new economic opportunities,” said Mayor Bowser. “The Office to Anything program will help us attract new businesses, create jobs, and make our city more vibrant.”
The Office to Anything program will offer a range of financial assistance, including:
- Grants to cover up to 50% of the costs of converting office space into a new commercial use.
- Loans with low interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
- Technical assistance to help businesses with the planning, design, and construction process.
The program is open to businesses and property owners in all eight wards of the District of Columbia. Priority will be given to projects that:
- Are located in underserved neighborhoods.
- Create new jobs.
- Promote economic diversity.
- Enhance the vibrancy of the streetscape.
“We are excited to see how the Office to Anything program will transform our city,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio. “This is a great opportunity to create new economic opportunities and make our neighborhoods more livable.”
The Office to Anything program is part of Mayor Bowser’s broader efforts to revitalize the District’s economy. In recent years, the city has seen a decline in office occupancy rates due to the rise of remote work and the relocation of businesses to other areas. The Office to Anything program is designed to address this challenge by encouraging the conversion of vacant office spaces into new commercial uses.
“The Office to Anything program is a win-win for businesses and the city,” said Councilmember Charles Allen. “It will help us create new jobs, revitalize our neighborhoods, and make our city more vibrant.”
Applications for the Office to Anything program are now being accepted. For more information, visit the program website at dced.dc.gov/page/office-anything.
Mayor Bowser Launches “Office to Anything” Program to Activate Vacant and Underutilized Office Spaces into New Commercial Uses
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