The 13,800-square-foot east platform of the subterranean trolley station, Dupont Underground, is expected to open this July as a visual art and performance space. First reported by District Source, the initial plans for the space are still up in the air, but ideas have included a winery, gallery, restaurant, or hotel. There are also thoughts on including retail and commercial space in the west platform of the underground station. The west platform is slated to open some time in 2016, but the exact timing will depend on how fast the nonprofit Arts Coalition for the Dupont Underground (ACDU) can raise $750,000, funding that would go to construction. Already, $56,870 has been raised through a crowdfunding campaign on the Fundable website. The ACDU secured a 66-month lease on the 75,000-square-foot tunnel in December 2014
↑ The ACDU hopes to transform Dupont Underground into an arts and performance space. Above, you can see a rendering of how they would hope an art gallery would look in the tunnels.
↑ Musical performances will one day become a reality in Dupont Underground. How many underground artists will become the next big thing in this underground space?
↑ The above rendering is a look into what a pop-up retail concept would look like in Dupont Underground. Not sure why there's so much fascination over a few stacks of books, but whatever.
↑ OPX, a design consultancy, created this rendering of what a hotel room would look like in Dupont Underground. For those who may need some sunlight, a ceiling "window" should do the trick. If the hotel does become reality, though, it would become the nation's first underground hotel.
↑ Here's a look at what the entrance to Dupont Underground would look like. ACDU also hopes for the entrance to serve as a community center and "public green space."
· Dupont Underground Eyes July Opening [District Source]
· Dupont Could Get Underground Hotel, Winery, or Art Gallery [Curbed DC]
· A Spooky Tour Of Dupont Underground's Secret Tunnel [Curbed DC]
· Dupont Underground [Official Website]