Affordable Housing Part Of Developer's 750+ Housing Units Plan For Potomac Yard

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Despite the arena and entertainment complex not moving forward, developer JBG Smith has other plans for Alexandria's Potomac Yard. On Thursday, JBG Smith announced plans for more than 750 housing units in the neighborhood.

The developer said it submitted plans to the City of Alexandria for a mix of new multifamily, townhouses and committed affordable units. The development would happen on four vacant land parcels south of the existing Potomac Yard Shopping Center near the Potomac Yard Metro station.

"We are eager to kick off the City of Alexandria's robust review and input process and look forward to engaging with members of the community," said Taylor Lawch, senior vice president of Development at JBG Smith. "The region is in desperate need of new housing. Our proposal seeks to provide a healthy mix of rental, for-sale and dedicated Affordable Housing options for those who wish to call Potomac Yard home, no matter their budget or household size."

On one of the land parcels, 550 multifamily apartment units are proposed across two seven-story buildings totaling 684,000 square feet. On the second land parcel, about 100 units of affordable housing totaling 128,000 square feet are proposed. On the third land parcel, JBG Smith proposes 116 single-family townhomes totaling 336,000 square feet. Townhouses would be offered for sale and include 80 units measuring 16 x 42 feet and 36 units measuring 20 x 42 feet.

The development proposal comes as Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus prepares to open its first academic building in early 2025. A 4.5-acre Potomac Yard Park extension to the existing 20-plus acres was dedicated in October, and a Innovation District Pump Station was completed in December 2023. JBG Smith had also proposed a Washington Capitals and Wizards arena and entertainment district with the teams' owner, but that plan did not advance as the teams will stay in D.C.

JBG Smith will host an introductory community meeting on the housing proposal at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16 in the Paris A Conference room on the seventh floor at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Headquarters, 3030 Potomac Ave., Alexandria, VA. Parking is free in the surface parking lot located at 2900 Potomac Avenue between E. Glebe Road and Seaton Avenue. Additional meetings and chances to offer feedback on the design will follow during the city entitlement process.