avenues, volume 2: spatial equity
the Metro station; high-quality neighborhood activity nodes and public spaces; new neighborhood parks; and a multi-modal transportation network including a new grid of connected complete streets with pedestrian and bicycle connections. Additional elements include an Innovation District mixing residential with light industrial/ small commercial/maker spaces at the ground level; a new greenway along a revitalized stream that connects neighborhoods while helping manage stormwater naturally; the potential to create a District Energy and Combined HeatPower system via the existing waste-to-energy plant; and the potential for purple pipe water Urban Design Committee
from the AlexRenew water treatment facility to supply non-potable building water requirements and supplement the plant’s cooling needs. The inclusive planning process to envision future development engaged residents and stakeholders to develop the small area plan during public workshops with interactive exercises and through online engagement. Essential to its success was the deliberate and iterative process of presenting concepts, discussing ideas and feedback, and illustrating how participants’ ideas were incorporated into the plan. Alexandria Planning Director Karl Moritz remarked, “The Eisenhower West Small Area Plan was ground-breaking in
its process of engaging the community throughout the length of the planning effort. The end result was a Plan that truly reflected the core ideas generated by the community coupled with economic feasibility: a revitalized and connected open space network, a finer grid of complete streets, a focus on neighborhood-serving retail, and an enhanced transit system centered on an existing Metrorail station.” Designing for the future city requires a heightened sense of civic responsibility and commitment to stewardship. As urban designers in the urban century, we must make design interventions and innovations that promote social and spatial equity and environmental integrity. 71