One of Alexandria’s most talked-about sites is about to take on a brand-new life. The long-dormant Mirant Power Plant on Old Town’s northern waterfront will soon be transformed into a vibrant, mixed-use community blending residential, retail, green space, art, and dining.

This redevelopment will not only reshape the skyline but also reimagine how Alexandrians live, work, and connect along the Potomac River. Imagine strolling along a new boardwalk at sunset, dining in a restored historic pump house, or enjoying outdoor concerts and art exhibits right in your neighborhood.

A Landmark Site Reimagined

The 18.8-acre Mirant Power Plant site sits between the Potomac River and the George Washington Parkway at the north end of Old Town. Built in 1949 as a coal-burning facility, the plant stood for decades as a piece of Alexandria’s industrial past.

As part of the redevelopment, only the pump house and guard house will remain, thoughtfully incorporated into the design. The remainder of the site will be rebuilt into a sustainable, LEED-certified community with solar features and green rooftops.

Timeline

HRP purchased the site in late 2020 and has since worked closely with the City of Alexandria through a multi-step review and approval process.

• 2022: Coordinated Development District Concept Design Plan approved

• 2023: Infrastructure Development Site Plan approved

• Late 2026: Deconstruction of the power plant begins

• 2027: New building construction begins alongside deconstruction

• 2030: Targeted project completion

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What’s Planned

The first phase of work will take place on the southern side of the site, near The Muse, in Blocks B and C. These phases will deliver:

• 20–40% commercial space

• 60–80% residential space

• A focus on sustainable, LEED-certified construction

Additional highlights include:

• Arts District
  Plans for Block A include more than 75,000 square feet of rent-free space for artists, designed to foster a lively new arts hub along the waterfront.

• Open Space
  More than 11 acres of the site will be transformed into parks, soccer fields, and recreation areas. These open spaces are designed for families, neighbors, and visitors to enjoy Alexandria’s waterfront in new ways.

• Housing
  The community will offer a range of housing, including affordable units, rentals, and luxury waterfront condominiums. From modern apartments to high-end condos with sweeping river views, there will be something for every lifestyle.

• Dining and Lifestyle Enhancements
  The historic pump house will be turned into a one-of-a-kind waterfront restaurant. The expanded riverfront boardwalk will be perfect for morning jogs, dog walks, or evening strolls. To keep it safe and enjoyable for all, cyclist traffic will be rerouted away from the water’s edge.

Community Considerations

The redevelopment is being closely coordinated with the City of Alexandria. The City will oversee approvals, manage deconstruction logistics, monitor noise and dust, and keep residents informed throughout the process.

HRP has also partnered with wildlife management consultants to ensure animals currently on site are safely relocated before deconstruction begins.

Building Heights and Design

The redevelopment will be spread across six blocks, with building heights planned between 70 and 172 feet. The tallest buildings will be located in Blocks B and C, while Block A (closest to Old Town) will feature shorter buildings up to 70 feet.

For comparison, the existing smokestacks at the power plant rise 162 feet, and some nearby Old Town North buildings reach 240 feet.

The new buildings will be mixed-use, featuring residential, commercial, retail, dining, hotel, office, and cultural spaces. Parking will be provided in a below-grade garage, with additional metered surface spaces for convenience.

Upcoming Tours

Community members can get an early look at what’s ahead through public tours scheduled for October 3 and 4.

For more details on the redevelopment, visit hrpalx.com.

Why It Matters

The redevelopment of the Mirant site is more than just new construction. It represents a reimagining of how Alexandrians can experience their waterfront. From expanded green space and new cultural opportunities to dining destinations and diverse housing options, this project will create a community that blends history, sustainability, and modern living.

As Alexandria residents and real estate experts, we know how transformational this site will be. It will not only enhance daily life for those living nearby but also create exciting opportunities for buyers, renters, and investors across the region.

Work With The Goodhart Group

We love helping our clients stay informed about Alexandria’s growth and opportunities. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply curious about how new developments might affect the market, we are here as your trusted local experts.

Get in touch by filling out the form below or reaching out by phone or email.

Sue Goodhart | sue@thegoodhartgroup.com | 703-362-3221

Allison Goodhart DuShuttle | allison@thegoodhartgroup.com | 703-266-7277

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