Image courtesy of the City of Alexandria
Planning Commission members approved several Special Use Permits for a number of Potomac Yard project including a park, pump station and signage.
These projects, in particular the pump station, have received significant interest from members of the public.
The project to build the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus has been in the works for over a year when plans to move it to a 19-acre site in Potomac Yards were first announced.
A park planned for a 4.6 acre site on the campus will be a public open space that will feature improvements like play and recreation areas, seating, shade structures, and public art as well as plantings and features that will promote biodiversity and sustainability for the area. It will also provide greater connection to the adjacent Four Mile Run.
Image courtesy of the City of Alexandria
Potomac Yard Park
The pump station adjacent to the park will circulate water so it can be treated. Often these structures are utilitarian rather than aesthetically appealing. Architects from JGB Smith have created a design to camouflage the rectangular building with metal and mesh panels as well as plantings and educational exhibits to make the site more inviting.
A coordinated plan for signage throughout the campus will allow for additional signage for tenants of the space including limited digital signage for parking and kiosks. The sign plan will ensure high quality signage, allow for integration with existing City signage and provide directional assistance for residents, workers, students and visitors to the site.
No members of the public requested to speak regarding the projects and members of the Planning Commission had few questions for the applicant, CPYR Theater, LLC. Members agreed they were excited to see the projects come to fruition and approved the Special Use Permits with little discussion.
