HRP Group (formerly known as Hilco Redevelopment Partners) is moving forward with plans to transform the former Potomac River Generating Station in Old Town North into a mixed-use development, with public engagement on the first phase set to begin next month (May 2025).
The 18-acre waterfront site, purchased by HRP Group in 2020, is slated to become a vibrant destination featuring residential buildings, commercial spaces, and over 10 acres of public open space.
“HRP Group is committed to advancing the redevelopment of the former Potomac River Generating Station into a vibrant mixed-use destination in Old Town North and delivering significant public benefits,” a company spokesperson shared with ALXnow today (April 1).
These benefits include “10 acres of new and improved open space, enhanced offsite infrastructure, and much-needed affordable housing,” according to the spokesperson.
The project team plans to engage with City of Alexandria officials, commissions, and community members ahead of submitting Development Special Use Permits (DSUPs) for the first phase of development and public open space.
The full statement from the HRP Group spokesperson;
HRP Group is committed to advancing the redevelopment of the former Potomac River Generating Station into a vibrant mixed-use destination in Old Town North and delivering significant public benefits including 10 acres of new and improved open space, enhanced offsite infrastructure, and much-needed affordable housing. Beginning next month, the project team will engage in a public process with the relevant City of Alexandria officials, commissions, and community ahead of submitting DSUPs for the first phase of development and the public open space. We look forward to continuing to engage with our neighbors and city leaders to move this project forward.
Background
Deconstruction of the power plant, which first opened in 1949 and shut down in 2012, requires significant planning and engineering. HRP Group says on the project website that it has assembled a team of internal experts, consultants, engineers, and contractors to oversee the process.
HRP Group emphasizes its experience in this area, noting that the Potomac River Generating Station will be the fifth coal-fired power plant the company has deconstructed.
The City of Alexandria maintains jurisdictional oversight of the deconstruction project, reviewing and approving plans and proposed mitigation measures such as vibration monitoring, dust control, and community communication.
HRP Group shares the following timeline for the project in an FAQ section of its website;
What is the timeline for the deconstruction of the power plant structure?
HRP Group purchased the former Potomac River Generating Station property in late 2020 and began designing the overall plan for City review and approval of a Coordinated Development District Concept Design Plan (CDD Concept Plan), a process which took over a year (approved in July 2022). Following that approval, HRP Group developed the Infrastructure Development Site Plan (IDSP) for City review and approval, which took one year (approved in June 2023). Deconstruction of the power plant requires significant upfront planning and engineering in addition to several approvals as outlined below.
Deconstruction planning is currently underway and involves HRP Group internal experts as well as an external team of consultants, engineers, and contractors to ensure the most qualified professionals are overseeing the process. In order for deconstruction to proceed, the following milestones must be achieved:
City approval of the Infrastructure Final Site Plan (IFSP) which includes an overall deconstruction sequencing plan. Supplemental documents including a community communication plan, construction management plan, logistics plans, and deconstruction mitigation plans will be part of the IFSP.
• Planning Commission and City Council approval of the first phase of development.
• City issuance of abatement permit(s), which can only be issued after the IFSP has been approved.
• City inspection after abatement and issuance of clearance letter(s), a prerequisite for subsequent permits to physically deconstruct the power plant.
• Community engagement and input.
Construction of new buildings will occur in coordination with the abatement and deconstruction of the power plant, according to the projects website. While the processes may overlap to reduce the overall duration of work, abatement and deconstruction will begin before any new building construction and will be fully complete before any new buildings are ready for occupancy.
The redevelopment will occur in three phases, each consisting of two blocks, beginning with blocks “A” and “B” at the southernmost portion of the property. HRP submitted concept plans for Development Special Use Permits for Blocks A, B, and C to the City in October 2023.
According to the project website, building heights will range from 70 feet to 172 feet, excluding rooftop equipment and mechanical space. For comparison, the existing smokestacks at the power plant are 162 feet tall, and other buildings in Old Town North measure up to 240 feet.
The project is designed as a mixed-use development, with flexibility in the mix of uses. Between 40-80% of the total building square footage may be residential, including both condo and rental units with an affordable housing component. Between 20-60% may be commercial space, potentially including retail, restaurant, hotel, office, and arts and cultural space.
In previous renderings released in October 2023, HRP proposed buildings for Block B resembling New York City’s iconic Flatiron Building. The large condo and retail buildings were proposed to have rooftop open space with heights capped at 172 feet, or 17 stories.
Block A, with a riverside view of the Potomac River, was envisioned as a 70-foot-tall arts and cultural center with retail and office uses.
Previous Reporting On This Project
October 3, 2023: NEW: HRP proposes designs inspired by iconic New York building for former power plant in Old Town North
July 19, 2023:Power plant redeveloper breaks down the break down of the Old Town North industrial site
May 15, 2023:Alexandria City Council unanimously endorses energy plan for former power plant in Old Town North
March 29, 2023:City of Alexandria lays out power plant demolition plans and uncertainties
February 8, 2023:Power plant redevelopment team talks ‘woonerf’ vs pedestrian-only design
January 12, 2023:Meeting this month to provide details on remediation plans for Old Town North’s power plant
