Citing health hazards and costly repair needs, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced that it will move its headquarters location from downtown Washington, D.C., to Alexandria, VA.

“The Robert C. Weaver Federal Building requires hundreds of millions in long-term repairs and this move will ensure they quickly have access to a modern work environment that fits their needs,” HUD’s press release states. The large and famously “brutalist-style” Weaver Building has housed the department’s HQ since 1968.

According to the press release, 2,700 of the agency’s employees are currently based out of the Weaver Building in D.C. HUD will implement a staggered employee relocation plan, in coordination with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which owns the building.

HUD’s new location will displace the National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent federal research body. Alexandria, known for its charming waterfront, is across the river from D.C. in northern Virginia, roughly 10 miles from the current HUD HQ location. Because of its proximity to the capitol, the town is home to many non-profit organizations and associations but is considered a quieter refuge than downtown Washington. While not directly adjacent to the District, it is accessible via metro.

LeadingAge will continue to work closely with HUD both during and after the transition to the new HQ location, and we call on HUD to minimize work and staffing disruptions during the transition.