The Backstory
The coal-fired power plant began operations on the PRGS site in 1949 to provide power to Washington D.C. and to serve as a backup power source for the nearby Pentagon. The facility was decommissioned in 2012, and the site has been undergoing remediation and ongoing monitoring since then. The City notes that the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ) has primary regulatory authority for site cleanup.
The Latest
The City’s implementation page confirms the major policy milestone: in July 2022, City Council approved amendments to the Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance to support redevelopment of the former PRGS site.
On the ground, the project has remained active. In 2024, the City published a formal Abatement & Deconstruction Plan, outlining early-stage work to prepare the existing structure for future phases.
More recently, HRP Group has continued community-facing engagement, including public site tours that offered neighbors a rare look inside the once-inaccessible property and an overview of long-range plans.
Be sure to check out all the new construction coming to Old Town here.
The Plan for the Future
The vision remains a complete transformation of this waterfront site into a future mixed-use district. Planning materials and local coverage continue to describe a blend of potential uses including residential, commercial, retail, and significant public open space as the site shifts from an industrial legacy to a walkable neighborhood destination.
A key factor in timing remains the remediation and regulatory process. The City has been clear that the site is undergoing remediation and that VDEQ is the primary regulator for cleanup.
The Bottom Line
The Potomac River Generating Station redevelopment remains one of the most consequential long-term projects for Old Town North. Major approvals are in place, and the project is moving through early implementation steps, with environmental cleanup continuing to shape the timeline.
If you live nearby or are thinking about buying in Old Town North, reach out and we will share what we are tracking, what milestones matter most, and how this type of redevelopment can influence values block by block.
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Get in touch by filling out the form below or reaching out by phone or email.
Sue Goodhart | sue@thegoodhartgroup.com
Allison Goodhart DuShuttle | allison@thegoodhartgroup.com
Phone: 703-362-3221
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