Case Studies

Three black-and-white images of different buildings: an urban commercial building, a historic Victorian house, and a suburban house with a porch.

EYA Alexandria Waterfront, VA

Overview:

Robinson Terminal South, a complex of warehouses in Alexandria, Virginia, occupies the block between Duke, South Union, and Wolfe Streets and the Potomac River. Located at the historic site of Point Lumley, the property has provided access to the Potomac River for merchant stores, warehouses, and various industries from the founding of Alexandria in 1749 through the 20th century. Noted developer EYA acquired the block for a mixed-use development of residences and restaurants.

Comparison of a historic black and white photo of a harbor with ships and surrounding buildings, and a modern color photo of a waterfront with boats, trees, and residential buildings.

Historic Alexandria Waterfront, then and now.

Challenge:

The City of Alexandria tasked EYA with identifying the history of the site, preserving a two-story brick building known as 2 Duke Street, designing new buildings that were sympathetic to the property’s history, and incorporating that history in interpretive elements within the new development. EYA hired History Matters to help it accomplish these goals.

Two brick buildings with signage reading Robinson Terminal, one with a large tree in front and a boarded-up door, the other with a red pickup truck parked outside.

2 Duke Street. This circa-1800 building was preserved as part of the Robinson Terminal South development. History Matters conducted documentary research to identify the building and planned interpretive exhibits within the new development.

Solution:

History Matters provided several products that helped meet the city’s goals. A 55-page Documentary Study of the site provided an illustrated narrative of its history from the 18th through the 20th centuries and, in particular, the study documented the current 2 Duke Street building together with 18th and 19th-century predecessors that were located within its footprint. History Matters also developed a style guide for the EYA architects that outlined the various architectural styles and features of past and present Alexandria residential and commercial buildings. The architects used this architectural vocabulary to inform their designs for the new buildings. History Matters also produced an interpretive plan that helped EYA and its landscape designers focus on the unique historical aspects of the Robinson Terminal South block and incorporate its industrial heritage into the new landscape designs. During every step of the process, History Matters staff met with Alexandria staff to ensure that our products met or exceeded the city’s requirements.

Collage of four buildings with different architectural styles and colors, including brick, yellow painted brick, and stone facades, with various window and roof types.

Result:

History Matters provided the research and reports necessary for EYA to meet the requirements of the City of Alexandria for the new development. The new development will include designs and interpretive elements that uniquely reflect the important industrial history of Alexandria.

Architectural elements of past and present Alexandria residential and commercial buildings.

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