The Department of Housing and Urban Development said it would move its headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Alexandria, Virginia, arguing that doing so would save millions of dollars.
The giant Robert C. Weaver Federal Building has been HUD’s headquarters since it opened on Sept. 9, 1968. On Wednesday, HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced an end to that chapter, citing “serious concerns” with the building, including “health hazards, leaks, and structural and maintenance failures.”
“It is time to turn the page on the Weaver Building and relocate to a new headquarters that prioritizes the well-being of HUD employees and properly reflects the passion and excellence of our team,” he said.
“Many of these risks will needlessly and irresponsibly continue to absorb taxpayer dollars. Relocating is about more than just changing buildings; it’s about a mission-minded shift that we hope will inspire every employee. Under President [Donald] Trump’s leadership, we are advancing this vision and instituting a new American Golden Age,” Turner added.
The move will “unlock several hundred million dollars in taxpayer savings,” according to a HUD press release.
Turner announced the change at a press conference alongside Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA), who has spearheaded several efforts to lure businesses across the Potomac.
“Virginia is a great place to be headquartered, and we are excited to welcome the Department of Housing and Urban Development and their over 2,700 headquarters-based employees to the best state in America to live, work, and raise a family,” he said.
“Since the Trump administration started transforming the federal government to better serve the American people, our team has been focused on seizing the new opportunities that this presents for the Commonwealth,” Youngkin added.
Michael Peters, Commissioner of the General Services Administration’s Public Buildings Service, said the move reflects a commitment to “fiscal responsibility and mission effectiveness.”
GSA PUTS HUD HEADQUARTERS UP FOR SALE IN PART OF ADMINISTRATION’S PUSH TO DOWNSIZE
The Robert C. Weaver Federal Building is one of the most visually distinct federal agency headquarters, but its large size has come at a cost. Years of improper maintenance have caused it to deteriorate to troubling levels, posing safety and environmental risks. HUD estimates the building would require roughly $500 million over the next four years to meet minimum federal standards.
The search for a new HUD headquarters began in April, when the Robert C. Weaver Federal Building was added to the GSA’s accelerated disposition list. The old headquarters will begin the process of being sold.