Federal employees currently working at the Old Post Office building in Washington, D.C., may find themselves relocated in favor of a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
In response to a March 24 General Services Administration request for proposals, Hilton Worldwide, which owns the Waldorf chain, has come up with its own plan for the 315,000 square foot historic structure.
From a press release:
The proposal, tendered in response to the General Services Administration’s solicitation for redevelopment of the iconic 112-year-old Old Post Office Building, would create a 245-room Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and feature destination retailers from New York and Paris, as well as a world-class social and meeting space and a premier fitness facility.
To complement the hotel’s fusion of a historic setting with world renowned retail brands, the proposal also includes a world-class spa, a 28,000 square foot premium fitness center, four signature restaurants and 17,000 sq. ft. of function and ballroom space.
“Our project for a revitalized Old Post Office Building will encourage the flow of tourism, further economic vitality and bring new jobs to Washington, D.C., while preserving this historic building for future generations,” said John Vanderslice, Global Head Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, Hilton Worldwide.
The effort to redevelop federal property would force about 370 employees of the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities and several presidential commissions out of their current offices. GSA expects a new lease would be executed in June 2013. It has not decided on a new location for the federal employees working there.
The National Park Service conducts tours of the historic clock tower, which is not included in the proposal.
