Donald Trump bids on Washington’s Old Post Office

By Russ Ferguson, Penn Quarter Insider

Washington's Old Post Office Pavilion holds a secret treat for those in the know: Go to the top of the clock tower for free and see basically the same sight as those who wait in line for hours at the Washington Monument to peer out of those tiny windows.

Of course, the Old Post Office could be so much more. It's well-located at 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. NW and has a food court/mall inside in an open space with high ceilings and skylights that could cater to area business people and residents. But it's mostly known for low-quality food and dirty tables.

However, that could all change.

The Washington Business Journal reported in January that the General Services Administration is trying to move all the federal workers out of the building and open it up to private development. Hotel developers have been clamoring to get into the space.

Now Donald Trump has put a bid on the building with his eyes on redeveloping it into a luxury hotel.

WJLA reports that the hotel would have more than 300 rooms, conference space, a spa, and even a museum.

USAToday reports that the hotel would compete with the city's most luxurious hotels, most of which are west of Penn Quarter, such as the Four Seasons, the two Ritz Carltons, and the St. Regis. Penn Quarter is long overdue for a luxury hotel.

Trump's hotels often include luxury condominiums as well, but no word on whether he has plans to do that should he win the Post Office bid.

Trump currently owns hotels in Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, Panama City, and Waikiki and soon will be opening hotels in Toronto and Aberdeen, Scotland.

Above: The Old Post Office building in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

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