With the I-395 overpass and expansive parking lots, Washington D.C.’s southwestern waterfront is more car-oriented than it is maritime. Because of this, the capital’s waterfront is missing out on the vibrancy of other cities by the water, such as Copenhagen, Venice, or Seattle.
The Wharf, a new wharf plan for the District, aims to change this scenario. The project, a team effort including the District of Columbia, Perkins Eastman and developer Hoffman-Madison Marquette, will transform the car-dominated streets into a complex of “shared space.” Greater Greater Washington reports that the street planning gives pedestrians priority, using subtle but effective visual cues instead of curbs and traffic signals. Paving selection that helps differentiate pedestrian, vehicular, and shared spaces is a key aspect.
The mixed-use complex will house retail, offices, housing, and public spaces such as parks and an extensive waterfront promenade.
The project broke ground in March 2014 and will be built in phases, with completion slated for 2020.
Visit The Wharf's official website for more information.
The current, car-dominated southwestern waterfront. Photo via Google Maps.
Ground plan of the Wharf. Courtesy of Perkins Eastman.
A view of the Civic Commons. Courtesy of Perkins Eastman.
Maine Avenue. Courtesy of Perkins Eastman.
The "Jazz Alley" at night. Courtesy of Perkins Eastman.
A piazza. Courtesy of Perkins Eastman
Related Stories
| Aug 3, 2012
Nonres construction spending to increase through 2012, growth projected for 2013
Commercial and industrial projects poised to lead building sectors.
| Jul 31, 2012
Thornton Tomasetti announces four promotions in Chicago office
Promotions in Thornton Tomasetti office key on industy veterans.
| Jul 25, 2012
EwingCole adds healthcare director to D.C. office
Schultz brings over 25 years of proven experience in planning and designing healthcare, medical research, and government medical facilities.
| Jul 25, 2012
Contract awarded for Gaillard Municipal Auditorium renovations in Charleston, S.C.
Seeking LEED Silver certification, the project will begin in August and is slated for completion in December 2014.
| Jul 24, 2012
Boyer joins Thornton Tomasetti as vice president in New York office
Boyer will support Thornton Tomasetti’s Building Performance and Property Loss Consulting practices in the East U.S. region as well as nationally.
| Jul 24, 2012
Dragon Valley Retail at epicenter of Yongsan International Business District
Masterplanned by architect Daniel Libeskind, the Yongsan IBD encompasses ten city blocks and includes a collection of high-rise residences and commercial buildings.
| Jul 23, 2012
Venturi Scott Brown and Associates Becomes VSBA, LLC
After over fifty years as one of the world’s most renowned architects, Bob Venturi has retired from practice, while Denise Scott Brown continues to publish and present her work.
| Jul 23, 2012
Giants 300 Firm Index 2012
An alphabetical index of the Giants 300 AEC firms and their ranking in specific categories.
| Jul 23, 2012
Haynes Whaley announces leadership transition
Pronier has worked in the construction industry for the past 30 years.
| Jul 23, 2012
Missner Group completes construction of Chicago auto dealership
The Missner Group also incorporated numerous sustainable improvements to the property including the implementation of a vegetative roof, and the utilization of permeable pavers for the parking lot.