If the vision presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission last Thursday remains through the development, Potomac Yard could be rife with flexible open space.
At the commission meeting, representatives of developer JBG SMITH and Virginia Tech outlined plans for flexibles spaces that could be used equally for casual strolls or busy markets.
Robert Brant, the developers, described the development’s centerpiece “market lawn” as a flexible open area designed with markets and seasonal pop-ups in mind. Brant said part of the plans include flexibility to expand those events into adjacent streets to create larger market or event spaces.
Brant said the plaza near the Potomac Yard Metro station is planned as a mix of tree cover and public art around a kiss and ride for the station.
A brief overview of the Virginia Tech campus open space detailed walking paths through a green open space in a traditional college campus format.
The park plans are scheduled to go to the Planning Commission and the City Council over the course of this fall and winter. So far, the plans for the open space at Potomac Yard were met with praise by commissioners.
“I’m excited about it,” said Gina Baum, chair of the commission. “I’m sure the rest of the commission is excited about it.”
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