Alexandria was founded on the river and since its incorporation, the City relied on it to  bring people and goods to its shores. In the 1950’s the City began to look at recreational and passive programs along the river instead of the commercial uses that were once the backbone to the economy. Today, there is an emerging  economy along the river fueled by the developments of the Harbor, the Wharf and the Navy Yard/Stadium, all connected by watertaxi. Alexandria has not yet participated in this due to factors like transportation access, zoning, and  fear of overdevelopment. The Alexandria Riverfront Economic Framework Plan is a road map to reinvigorate the waterfront into an engine that encourages cultural development, tourism and urban mixed use development. 5 mixed-use commercial development zones are identified along the waterfront and connected by land- and water-based public transportation that connect Alexandria to the regional network emerging along the Potomac. Guidelines to development in the commercial zones focus on a mix of uses, bonus development for cultural and tourism uses, and water-based recreation. As part of this plan, the Riverwalk emerged as an important driver to sustainable economic development. The Riverwalk encourages car parking at each end and walking into the core of the historic urban fabric or along the 2 miles of the riverfront. Afterwards, a free public transportation network (trolley or boat) will return walkers.


Learning Objectives:  At the completion of this course, participants will be able to: Summarize cultural and economic phenomena occurring along the Potomac with developments such as the Wharf, Harbor and the Navy Yard and how the water transportation system connects them; Describe the history of development for Alexandria and the role played by the river; Explain how the economic framework plan can integrate the waterfront’s  commercial zones into the economy and how the city can redominate the region; Describe how the riverwalk can contribute to economic development of the city while preserving its historic fabric.


Speakers:
Michael Winstanley, AIA - Founder and Design Principal, Winstanley Architects & Planners
Leejung Hong - Team Leader, Winstanley Architects & Planners


Credits: 1.5 HSW|LUs; 1.5 GBCI Credits (Self-Report)  1.5 AICP CM; 1.5 LACES