The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) announced last week that it will move its headquarters from Silver Spring’s Hillandale neighborhood to Dupont Circle.
The transit union, representing over 200,000 workers in the U.S. and Canada, purchased an eight-story building at 21 Dupont Circle NW near the Dupont Circle Metro station. It didn’t disclose the acquisition price, but deed records indicate it was $13.8 million, according to Bisnow.
“This is the next chapter in the ATU’s long and proud history,” ATU International President John Costa said in a press release. “This building is not just our new headquarters. It’s a symbol of our more than 200,000 hardworking members across North America. Being in the U.S. Capital, where decisions are made, is critical to our mission. We’re also excited to be able to contribute to the D.C. community, where many of our members live and work. The ATU will have a stronger voice through this strategic investment.”
According to Bisnow, the property was sold for nearly $4 million more than its assessed value for 2025, which was $10.2 million. The property price was $265 per square foot, with $10 million accounting for just the land.
ATU said, “The building will undergo renovations to make it into a place to not only proudly call our new headquarters but also a building that our members will see as fitting and a beacon of worker solidarity and empowerment for our 132-year-old Union.”
The announcement did not include details about renovations or a relocation timeline. ATU also put its Silver Spring headquarters, the Tommy Douglas Conference Center (formerly the National Labor College) at 10000 New Hampshire Ave., under contract for sale.
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