Pentagon City’s RiverHouse project is collecting public feedback on a planned one-acre park between S. Lynn Street and S. Joyce Street.
The park, which would be developed in two phases, is meant to facilitate pedestrian traffic and serve as a “vibrant gathering place.” Respondents have until Sunday to submit feedback on the final draft design.
“The space should be designed to serve neighboring Arlington residents along with those of the RiverHouse Neighborhood encouraging the flow of pedestrians through the Green Ribbon,” a project overview says. “Thoughtful landscaping, seating areas, and pedestrian-scale lighting should provide comfort, safety, and visual appeal while supporting both active and passive uses.”
The first phase of the project would be about 0.38 acres, emphasizing seating areas, access to nature and a “complete, inviting experience despite the limited size.”
The full buildout, meanwhile, would include a stairway, terraces, a lawn and a plaza. The proposed design describes areas where people can “move,” “reflect,” “gather” and “dwell.”
The feedback form asks respondents to rate their satisfaction with the design’s natural elements, pedestrian facilities and success at achieving various goals for the neighborhood.
Plans to expand the current RiverHouse site envision a massive buildout of the already substantial housing project on S. Joyce Street.
A proposed Phased Development Site Plan would allow for the construction of up to 2,785 housing units, bringing the total number of RiverHouse residences up to 4,461, plus 14,793 square feet of retail.
Developer JBG Smith has been engaged in a series of Site Plan Review Committee meetings on the project, the fifth of which is scheduled to happen on July 28.
Throughout the engagement process, the development has attracted some criticism from residents concerned about its scale.
