UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus Plan & Expansion (formerly known as Bertie Backus Campus)

UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus Plan

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is creating the first ever campus plan for the Lamond-Riggs campus (formerly known as the Bertie Backus campus), the university’s community college campus located at 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE. UDC is planning the renovation and expansion of the campus. UDC anticipates doubling campus enrollment over 10 years, going from 1,500 students currently to 3.000 students by 2030.

UDC was required to submit a Campus Master Plan to the DC Zoning Commission. The Zoning Commission held a public hearing on October 30, 2023, and approved the plan at a public meeting on November 30, 2023. The Zoning Commission issued an Order effective April 12, 2024.

The 2023-2033 plan contemplates a two-phased campus development. Phase 1 will include renovation of the existing buildings on the campus. Phase 2 will include construction of a new wing on the campus.

In October 2023, UDC officials stated they were “evaluating proposals from Design-Build contractors for the development of Phase 1. Once a firm is selected and the contract is in place, the project is anticipated to take 16 months, including the design phase.” In September 2024, UDC officials stated, “A design-build firm has been selected. The firm is currently focusing on the programing phase for the redesign and modernization of the interior of the building. We expect this phase to take approximately 6 months. Once the design of the interior renovations has been completed, the design-build company will present a construction cost proposal that will require the UDC Board of Trustees approval prior to implementation.”

Phase 2 activities will occur during the second half of the plan (during years 5-10 of the plan). Funding is still needed for Phase 2 activities. UDC will have to provide notice and return to the Zoning Commission before beginning construction on the new wing.

View the zoning documents on the Zoning Commission’s website, case no. 23-16.

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Phase 1 Campus Development Renderings

Phase 2 Campus Development Renderings