SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The University of South Dakota Foundation now owns a $3.2 million home in Washington D.C., blocks away from the U.S. Capitol.
The USD Foundation was gifted the property in January of this year, Foundation President Noah Shepard said in a statement. The home, at 622 Massachusetts Ave NE, will be used for students interning in the D.C. area.
“In a place like D.C., everything’s expensive.” USD spokesperson Alissa Matt told KELOLAND News. “It’s way more expensive than it would be in South Dakota. Then to navigate it is also difficult.”
With just a 15 minute walk from Capitol Hill, Matt said it allows students to avoid public transportation and know they’re in a safe part of the city.
“To have a resource so all our students really have to worry about is pursuing that learning opportunity, they’ve got the housing taken care of,” Matt said.
According to property tax records, the 2,700 square foot home built in 1917, has four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms. The property is valued at $3.225 million.
Currently under renovation, Matt said they hope to have students staying in the home by spring 2026.
“Our goal is to be able to host three to five students at any given time of year,” Matt added.
Information on who gifted the property to USD is confidential, Matt noted. While the university did not pay for the home, there will be upkeep and operational costs they have to pay for.
The Foundation is trying to raise between $4-7 millionTo help fund those costs and provide scholarships for student trips to D.C.
“The foundation looks forward to working with USD on a fundraising effort that will amplify the impact of the initial gift and provide students meaningful and affordable professional development & public service opportunities in Washington, D.C., and beyond,” Shepard said in his statement to KELOLAND News.
Matt expects political science, criminal justice, and international studies to use the home, but the university also plans to host alumni events as well.
