WASHINGTON — Indiana University has secured a new building in Washington D.C., as part of its efforts to strengthen its national presence and offer more opportunities to students. The eight-story building, located in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, is surrounded by embassies and national headquarters. The purchase was made by the IU Foundation on behalf of the university.

“This acquisition will open new doors for our students by making new and potentially life-changing experiences available,” IU President Pamela Whitten said in a press release. “It will create new opportunities for us to highlight IU innovation for national and international policymakers, extending the impact of that research. Students and faculty across disciplines and interest areas will benefit from this important investment, just as the country and the world will benefit from IU’s prominent leadership.”

The newly acquired building will serve multiple functions, including providing space for academic programs, business operations, and housing for students. Currently, students enrolled in IU’s Washington-based programs have no housing options available in the city.

The university plans to host speakers and events in the building to spotlight IU’s cutting-edge research. The facility will be open to students across the entire university system, offering them access to a wide range of programs and opportunities in the capital.

Indiana University already has several established programs based in Washington D.C., such as leadership training through the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and global studies through the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies.

The building acquisition marks the culmination of a years-long search, which began in 2021 shortly after Whitten became IU’s president.

The new IU facility is slated to open in early 2026, contingent upon board approval of a lease agreement between the school and the IU Foundation.

The building's location in the heart of Washington D.C. will allow students to connect more closely with policymakers, government agencies, and other institutions. This aligns with IU’s mission to expand the reach of its programs while creating pathways for students to engage with global leaders and issues. With the expected launch of the facility in 2026, Indiana University is poised to further solidify its place among the nation’s top institutions by offering students unparalleled access to career and educational opportunities.

Originally reported by Hernan Gutierrez in Wish TV.