GSA sold the Webster School building for $4.138 million

The historic Webster School building, located at 940 H Street NW in Washington, D.C., has recently been sold by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) for $4.138 million. This sale marks a significant milestone in the building’s long and varied history, transitioning from an educational institution to a federal property, and now, to private ownership.

Historical Background

Constructed between 1881 and 1882, the Webster School was designed by architect Edward Clark. The three-story, 27,500-square-foot building is a notable example of Romanesque Revival architecture, characterized by its red brick façade and U-shaped structure.

It originally served as a segregated school for white children, reflecting the educational practices of the late 19th century. Over the decades, the building’s purpose evolved: from 1924 to 1949, it operated as the Americanization School, providing English language and citizenship courses for immigrants.

Subsequently, it housed various administrative offices for the District of Columbia Public Schools. In 1999, recognizing its architectural and historical significance, the Webster School was added to the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites.

Federal Acquisition and Prolonged Vacancy

In 2003, the GSA acquired the Webster School through eminent domain, intending to renovate the building for federal office use, specifically for the United States Secret Service (USSS), whose headquarters are adjacent to the property.

However, these renovation plans were never realized. The building remained vacant for over two decades, during which it deteriorated significantly, accruing approximately $24 million in deferred maintenance and liabilities. The prolonged vacancy was partly due to stringent security requirements imposed by the USSS, which complicated potential redevelopment efforts.

Legislative Efforts and Sale

Recognizing the underutilization of the property, legislative actions were initiated to facilitate its sale. In July 2023, Representatives Eleanor Holmes Norton and Scott Perry introduced H.R. 4688, a bill directing the GSA to sell the Webster School.

The bill emphasized the building’s state of disrepair and the financial burden of its upkeep on federal resources. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the sale would generate nearly $500,000 in revenue for the government. The House of Representatives passed the bill in December 2023, setting the stage for the property’s disposition.

Following the legislative mandate, the GSA initiated a public auction for the Webster School in mid-2024, with bidding starting at $1 million. The auction attracted significant interest due to the building’s prime location in the Penn Quarter neighborhood, directly across from the CityCenterDC development—a vibrant mixed-use area featuring luxury retail, dining, and residential spaces.

The auction concluded in December 2024, with the winning bid exceeding $4 million. In February 2025, the sale was finalized at $4.138 million.

Future Prospects

The new owner, identified as Webster School LLC, is reportedly affiliated with the Bethesda-based Tran Group. While specific redevelopment plans have not been publicly disclosed, the property’s location and historical significance offer a range of possibilities.

Potential uses include conversion into a boutique hotel, office space, or residential units. Any redevelopment will need to balance modern functionality with the preservation of the building’s historic character, adhering to guidelines set forth for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Implications for Urban Development

The sale of the Webster School is emblematic of a broader trend in urban development, where historic properties are repurposed to meet contemporary needs. In Washington, D.C., this trend is particularly pronounced as the city seeks to revitalize underutilized spaces amidst changing work patterns and economic shifts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated discussions about the adaptive reuse of buildings, especially as remote work has led to increased office vacancies. The transformation of the Webster School could serve as a model for similar projects, demonstrating how historic preservation and modern development can coexist to enhance urban vitality.

The journey of the Webster School from a bustling educational institution to a long-neglected federal property, and now to a site poised for redevelopment, reflects the dynamic interplay between history and progress.

As the building enters a new chapter under private ownership, it holds the promise of contributing to the cultural and economic fabric of downtown Washington, D.C., while preserving a tangible link to the city’s rich past.