The National Guard Expands Housing in D.C.

The National Guard Bureau has recently granted a $292 million contract to Placemakr, a corporate lodging company, to create up to 2,000 apartment-style units for guard members stationed in Washington, D.C.

This announcement, made on Thursday, represents the largest lodging acquisition in the Guard’s history.

The initiative aligns with Executive Order 14252, aimed at enhancing safety and aesthetics in the District of Columbia, as stated by the bureau.

Since the deployment of federal troops to D.C. in August 2025, many law enforcement officers have been living in various hotels throughout the area. After nearly a year, around 5,150 troops—about 600 from D.C. and 4,403 from other states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands—are still in the capital.

“This contract delivers stable, secure housing for our Soldiers and Airmen while achieving significant cost savings for the government,” said Monica Williams, executive director of acquisitions for the National Guard Bureau. “We were able to move quickly to meet mission requirements and provide a long-term solution for deployed personnel.”

It’s interesting to note that this acquisition was finalized in just 85 days. Typically, similar contracts can take four to six months. The General Services Administration (GSA) and the D.C. National Guard made it easier for vendors by allowing oral presentations instead of the usual lengthy written proposals.

“Besides the financial advantages, these apartment-style accommodations will give deployed personnel a better living situation, more privacy, and improved quality of life, along with access to secure parking and consolidated support services,” the Guard stated. “This move will also free up a number of commercial hotel rooms, which could boost capacity for tourism and business travel during peak seasons in the region.”

Placemakr, established in 2018, has its roots in Washington, D.C.