For Immediate Release: July 18, 2023

The City of Alexandria has received the 2023 Red Clay Development of the Year Award from the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Virginia) for its work on the redevelopment of the Potomac River Generating Station (PRGS) Power Plant. The planning award recognizes the City’s proposal to transform the site from an underutilized brownfield into a sustainable, active community. 

“I wish to congratulate our Department of Planning & Zoning staff on their award-winning plans,” said Mayor Justin Wilson. “The redevelopment of this site is about more than constructing buildings; it’s about building community. This award reflects the hard work and vision of City staff and of the members of our community who have driven this process.” 

APA Virginia’s annual Red Clay Award is presented to development projects that exhibit the values of great planning. This includes the creation of great places to live and work through infill development, building rehabilitation, brownfield redevelopment, downtown revitalization, and similar projects. 

“We are honored to be recognized by APA Virginia for our planning efforts,” said Department of Planning & Zoning Director Karl Moritz. “Communities across the Commonwealth are engaged in outstanding, groundbreaking planning, and I am proud that Alexandria is at the forefront of this work and contributing to planning innovation in Virginia.” 

The City has worked with project developer and owner Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP) to revitalize the shuttered coal-fired power plant site (formerly GenOn) and create a vibrant mixed-use development with more than five acres of open space, arts space, affordable housing, and a coordinated sustainability strategy. Since the beginning of 2021, the City and HRP have worked together, alongside members of the Alexandria community, to develop the design framework and other elements to bring these innovative plans forward. 

“Hilco Redevelopment Partners is committed to transforming this extraordinary site into a sustainable redevelopment that will reinvigorate and reconnect the community to the waterfront in Old Town North while creating economic growth and opportunity,” said Roberto Perez, Chief Executive Officer of HRP. “We appreciate the City of Alexandria’s partnership in advancing this generational project, and we are honored to have our shared vision recognized by APA Virginia’s Red Clay Award. Working together with our community partners, we look forward to setting a new standard for sustainable redevelopment in Alexandria.” 

For more information about the Potomac River Generating Station (PRGS) Power Plant Redevelopment, visit the project webpage. 

For inquiries from the news media only, contact the Office of Communications & Public Information at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3969. 

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4784.

About the City of Alexandria  

Founded in 1749, the City of Alexandria is a full-service, independent, city in Virginia with a AAA/aaa credit rating and a national reputation for progressive and responsible government. With a fast-paced business environment and walkable neighborhoods, Alexandria is a world-class destination where businesses and nonprofits choose to call home. Alexandria’s ample office space and urban amenities offer room to grow – a value unmatched in the region. Located minutes from the nation’s capital, Alexandria’s old-world charm and cutting-edge innovation are the perfect mix for attracting a diverse community, talented workforce, and enthusiastic visitors.