Point Lumley Park

Page updated on August 15, 2025 at 11:26 AM
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Point Lumley Park Improvements

The following images are artist renderings depicting proposed improvements to Point Lumley Park as of Spring 2025. The renderings and design concepts presented are currently under development, for conceptual reference only, and subject to change and design progresses. Additional information about current conditions and proposed design elements can be found in the sections below. 

Rendering of Point Lumley Park at street level, looking east at the water
Rendering of Point Lumley Park at street level, looking west through the shade structure.
Rendering of Point Lumley Park at street level, looking north along the shoreline
Rendering of Point Lumley Park at street level, looking west at the Wharf structure.
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Grid View Close Modal
Rendering of Point Lumley Park at street level, looking east at the water
Rendering of Point Lumley Park Improvements:

Looking East from the River Gateway/Shipbuilding Walk to the Promenade and Wharf
Rendering of Point Lumley Park at street level, looking west through the shade structure.
Rendering of Point Lumley Park Improvements:

Looking West from the Wharf through the Shade Structure into Point Lumley Park
Rendering of Point Lumley Park at street level, looking north along the shoreline
Rendering of Point Lumley Park Improvements:

Looking North at the Promenade and River from the Wharf through the Shade Structure.
Rendering of Point Lumley Park at street level, looking west at the Wharf structure.
Rendering of Point Lumley Park Improvements:

Looking West at the Wharf, Shade Structure, Promenade, and Point Lumley Park, from an Elevated View

Existing Conditions

Site Location

Point Lumley Park is located at the northeast corner of Duke Street and Strand Street. Point Lumley Park is currently bordered by the Robinson Landing development to the south and the Strand Parking Lot to the north. The project proposes to remediate and convert the Strand Parking Lot into park land. If constructed, Point Lumley Park would share a northern boundary with the Old Dominion Boat Club parking lot. 

Site History

When Alexandria was founded in 1749, the area currently designated as Point Lumley Park was marshland associated with a bay of water bounded by Point Lumley to the south and Point West to the north. This area soon came to be infilled and populated by warehouses and industrial buildings, including Pioneer Mill, which burned down in an 1897 fire. By the late 1950s, most warehouses in the area were infilled and the shoreline continued to evolve until the mid-1990s. The final structure was torn down in 2018 and current park conditions were established.

Learn more about the history of Alexandria’s Waterfront:

Aerial view of the Waterfront with Point Lumley Park outlined in orange.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from the Point Lumley wharf towards Robinson Landing.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from the Point Lumley wharf towards the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from the Point Lumley Promenade towards the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from Point Lumley Park towards the wharf.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from Strand Street at Old Dominion Boat Club facing south.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from the intersection of Strand St. and Duke St. facing the water (northeast).
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from Robinson Landing/Cheeseman Quay facing north to Point Lumley Park.
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Grid View Close Modal
Aerial view of the Waterfront with Point Lumley Park outlined in orange.
Point Lumley Park Existing Conditions:

Birds-eye view of Point Lumley Park and the Strand Parking lot as of 2025. The proposed future Point Lumley Park extents are marked with an orange dashed line.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from the Point Lumley wharf towards Robinson Landing.
Point Lumley Park Existing Conditions:

Street-level view of southern Point Lumley Park and Robinson Landing from the existing wharf.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from the Point Lumley wharf towards the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Point Lumley Park Existing Conditions:

Street-level view of northern Point Lumley Park, the Strand parking lot, Old Dominion Boat Club parking lot, and Old Dominion Boat Club building, from the existing wharf.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from the Point Lumley Promenade towards the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Point Lumley Park Existing Conditions:

Street-level view of the southern Point Lumley Park shoreline and wharf from the promenade at the foot of the Strand parking lot.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from Point Lumley Park towards the wharf.
Point Lumley Park Existing Conditions:

Street-level view of the Point Lumley Park wharf and Potomac River from the southern park lawn.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from Strand Street at Old Dominion Boat Club facing south.
Point Lumley Park Existing Conditions:

Street-level view of the Strand parking lot, Point Lumley Park, and Robinson Landing, looking south from Strand Street at the Old Dominion Boat Club parking lot property line.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from the intersection of Strand St. and Duke St. facing the water (northeast).
Point Lumley Park Existing Conditions:

Street-level view of Point Lumley Park and the Strand parking lot, looking east from the intersection of Strand Street and Duke Street.
Photo of the street level view of the Waterfront from Robinson Landing/Cheeseman Quay facing north to Point Lumley Park.
Point Lumley Park Existing Conditions:

Street-level view of Point Lumley Park, the Strand parking lot, Old Dominion Boat Club parking lot, and Old Dominion Boat Club building, looking north from Cheeseman Quay and Robinson Landing.

Proposed Plan

Design Theme

Point Lumley Park will be a celebration of Alexandria’s maritime history.

Following Alexandria’s founding in 1749, a process known as “banking out” was used to create a new, man-made deep-water shoreline that could accommodate the docking of large vessels. This access to the Potomac River forged a trade gateway that would shape Alexandria’s economy and cultural identity, connecting the town with the world. 

Point Lumley Park will honor this story of connection between land, water, and history in immersive and creative ways, from an engaging walkway that recounts its shipbuilding and maritime history to playful furnishings inspired by wharf and ship construction. 

 

Design Goals

The design of Point Lumley Park is seeks to:

  • Integrate the park with the greater City and historic context
  • Maximize spatial flexibility for programming and events
  • Reinforce connections to the Potomac River and the greater waterfront 

 

Spring 2025 Design Update

During the FY 2026 budget approval process in Spring 2025, Alexandria City Council approved the additional project funding necessary to address vital Waterfront bulkhead repairs. This funding is enabling the City's design team to pursue the technically-preferred design for Point Lumley Park, which includes a robust continuous bulkhead and promenade extending from Robinson Landing in the south to the northeastern edge of King Street Park in the north. Information about the previous Cost-based Designs can be found in the Point Lumley Park History section below.  

*All designs are drafts, deliberative, and pre-decisional.

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the main park components.
Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the sustainability features.
Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the park's historic shoreline elements.
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Grid View Close Modal
Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the main park components.
Proposed Point Lumley Park Plan Framework

LEGEND:
1. Shipbuilding Walk
2. Cheeseman Quay
3. Wharf
4. Great Lawn
5. Promenade
Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the sustainability features.
Proposed Point Lumley Park Sustainability Features

LEGEND:
1. Lawn is a pervious surface that will slow runoff rates and reduce volumes across the site. Sustainable species can be considered.
2. Trees will store carbon to reduce carbon dioxide in the air.
3. Primarily native plant beds will create habitat and attract pollinators.
4. Floating wetlands attached to bulkhead provide infiltration, runoff cleansing, and habitats.
5. The waterfront promenade will drain at less than 2% slope toward native plant beds for infiltration (rather than into river).
6. Bioretention cleanses and infiltrates runoff from impervious areas, plus provides play and education opportunities.
7. Decomposed granite (permeable hardscape) will infiltrate stormwater and slow runoff rates.
8. Historic Alexandria canal stones serve as stepping stones, walls, and landscape accents.
Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the park's historic shoreline elements.
Historic Shoreline Expression in Point Lumley Park

LEGEND
1. Historic 1749 shoreline band
2. Historic 1845 shoreline band
3. Approximate historic shoreline layout in gray (banding omitted in lawn due to safety concerns)

Current Plan Features

Rendering map showing the key design features.

 

LEGEND

1. River Gateway/Shipbuilding Walk

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park highlighting the Gateway Walk location.

 

River Gateway/Shipbuilding Walk Design Elements

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the park's Gateway Walk elements.

LEGEND

  1. Relocated Shipbuilder statue at arrival plaza (potential location option)
  2. Stone feature stairs
  3. Opportunity for canal-stone themed signage
  4. Raised planter
  5. Bench
  6. Multi-use lawn
  7. Signature historic 1845 shoreline inscribed paving band
  8. Movable seating
  9. Historic 1749 shoreline band
  10. Existing brick paving to remain
  11. Port history or shipbuilding themed art/signage

 

 

 

 

 

 

River Gateway/Shipbuilding Walk Design Inspiration

Images selected by the project design team to serve as inspiration for the Gateway/Shipbuilding Walk proposed for Point Lumley Park.

2. Wharf

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park highlighting the wharf location.

 

Wharf Elements

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the park's Wharf elements.

LEGEND

  1. Seat wall
  2. Fixed seating
  3. Promenade (paving to match Robinson Landing)
  4. Light pole
  5. Plaza with movable tables/chairs
  6. Guardrail (to match Robinson Landing)

 

Shade Structure

Example of shade structure under design for the proposed wharf at Point Lumley Park.

 

Wharf Design Inspiration

Images selected by the project design team to serve as inspiration for the promenade proposed for Point Lumley Park.

3. Promenade

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park highlighting the promenade location.

 

Promenade Design Elements

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the park's promenade elements.

 

LEGEND

  1. Seat wall
  2. Fixed seating
  3. Promenade (paving to match Robinson Landing)
  4. Light pole
  5. Plaza with movable tables/chairs
  6. Guardrail (to match Robinson Landing)

Promenade Design Inspiration

Images selected by the project design team to serve as inspiration for the promenade proposed for Point Lumley Park.

4. Bioretention Area

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park highlighting the bioretention area.


Bioretention Area Elements

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the park's bioretention elements..

LEGEND

  1. Canal stone seating/landscape accents
  2. Children’s nature play
  3. Bioretention
  4. Historic 1845 shoreline paving band/stepping stones
  5. African American Heritage Trail signage
  6. Existing utility poles to remain
  7. Seating/learning node
  8. 20’ wide promenade
  9. Multi-use lawn
  10. Light pole
  11. Guardrail
  12. Canal stacked stone wall

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bioretention Area Design Inspiration

Images selected by the project design team to serve as inspiration for the bioretention features proposed for Point Lumley Park.

5. African American Heritage Trail

Bird's-eye view rendering of the African American Heritage Trail as it passes through Point Lumley Park.

 

About the African American Heritage Trail

African American Heritage Trails

 

African American Heritage Trail Elements

 
Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park along the African American Heritage Trail.

 

LEGEND

  1. African American Heritage Trail signage
  2. Historic 1749 shoreline band
  3. Relocated Shipbuilder statue at arrival plaza 
    (potential location option)
  4. Signature historic 1845 shoreline inscribed paving band
  5. Port history or shipbuilding themed art/signage
  6. Movable seating
  7. Stone feature stairs
  8. Raised planter
  9. 20' wide promenade
  10. Light pole
  11. Plaza with movable tables/chairs
  12. Guardrail

6. Grand Event Lawn

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park highlighting the great lawn area.

Great Lawn Design Elements

Bird's-eye view rendering of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the park's great lawn elements.

 

LEGEND:

  1. Historic 1845 shoreline paving band/stepping stones
  2. Opportunity for canal-stone themed signage
  3. Multi-use lawn

7. Future Rosenbaum Bequest Garden

Rendering of Point Lumley Park layout showing the area designated as the future home of the Rosenbaum Bequest Garden.

About the Future Rosenbaum Request Garden

H.J. and Betsey Rosenbaum have generously bequeathed $2.5M to the City of Alexandria for a garden, which will be built in the western section of Point Lumley Park. Since the garden design and construction process will take place at a future date, this aspect of the Park’s development is not included in the current review and approval process; however, the current landscape plan for Point Lumley Park was structured with the future incorporation of the garden in mind.

Site Sections

Cross-section of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the main park components.
Cross-section of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the main park components.
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Grid View Close Modal
Cross-section of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the main park components.
East/West Site Section of Proposed Point Lumley Park Plan

Cross-Section A: Wharf Detail

LEGEND:
1. Floating Wetland
2. Integral Seat Wall Beyond
3. Planter Beyond
4. River
5. Waterfront Stairs
6. Wharf with Seating/Signature Shade Structure

Cross-Section B: Point Lumley Park (Full Extents)
LEGEND
7. Planter
8. Floating Wetlands
9. Signature Shade Structure
10. Wood Timber Bench
11. Wharf with Shade Structure/Seating
12. Promenade and Seating
13. Walkway
14. Multi-use Lawn with Vanishing Stairs Beyond
15. Sidewalk
16. Strand Street
Cross-section of proposed landscape improvements for Point Lumley Park with numbers listing the main park components.
North/South Site Section of Proposed Point Lumley Park Plan

Cross Section: River Gateway/Shipbuilding Walk, Great Lawn, and Bioretention Area

LEGEND:
1. Movable Seating/Tables
2. Vanishing Stone Stairs
3. Sculptural Canal Stone Seating
4. Robinson Landing
5. Raised Planter
6. Shipbuilding Walk
7. Multi-use Lawn
8. Walkway
9. Multi-use Lawn
10. Walkway
11. Bioretention/Nature Play

Materials and Furnishings

Rendering of proposed plan for Point Lumley Park with index numbers pointing to different lighting features.
Visuals of proposed lighting features used in the Point Lumley Park plan.
Rendering of proposed plan for Point Lumley Park with index numbers pointing to different paving elements.
The first page of paving materials used throughout the proposed Point Lumley Park plan.
The second page of paving materials used throughout the proposed Point Lumley Park plan.
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Grid View Close Modal
Rendering of proposed plan for Point Lumley Park with index numbers pointing to different lighting features.
Proposed Point Lumley Park Furniture and Lighting Plan

LEGEND:
F101: Wood Timber Bench
F102: Chunky Wood Chaise Lounge
F103: Four-Top Movable Table/Chairs
F104: Stone Block/Boulder Seating (Reused Canal and/or Pioneer Mill Stones)
F105: Crate Style Seating
F106: Linear Wood Chaise Lounge
L101: Pole Light Type 1 - Promenade Nautical
L102: Pole Light Type 2 - Street Light (Alexandria Standard)
Visuals of proposed lighting features used in the Point Lumley Park plan.
Proposed Point Lumley Park Furniture and Lighting Examples

LEGEND:
F101: Wood Timber Bench
F102: Chunky Wood Chaise Lounge
F103: Four-Top Movable Table/Chairs
F104: Stone Block/Boulder Seating (Reused Canal and/or Pioneer Mill Stones)
F105: Crate Style Seating
F106: Linear Wood Chaise Lounge
L101: Pole Light Type 1 - Promenade Nautical
L102: Pole Light Type 2 - Street Light (Alexandria Standard)
Rendering of proposed plan for Point Lumley Park with index numbers pointing to different paving elements.
Proposed Point Lumley Park Paving Materials Plan

LEGEND:
P101: Poured In Place Concrete Walkway (Standard Park Walkways)
P102: Concrete Pavers (Promenade Paving)
P103A: Granite Band Type 1 - Promenade Banding
P103B: Granite Band Type 2 - Text-Inscribed Band Granite Paver
P103C: Granite Band Type 3 - Gateway Banding* Granite Paver
P104: Brick Pavers (Streetscape Sidewalk)
P105: Stepping Stones (Existing Reused Canal or Waterfront Stones)
P106: Stabilized Granite Pathway (Kafka Granite, Organic Loc, or Similar)
P107: Wood Decking (Sustainably Sourced Wood or Simulated Deck Material)
W101: Wall Type 1: Granite Seat Wall and Planter Wall (Widths and Heights Will Vary)
W102: Wall Type 2: Stacked Canal Stone Wall
S101: Stair Type 1: Poured in Place Concrete Stair
S102: Stair Type 2: Stone Feature Stair
The first page of paving materials used throughout the proposed Point Lumley Park plan.
Proposed Point Lumley Park Paving Material Examples

LEGEND:
P101: Poured In Place Concrete Walkway (Standard Park Walkways)
P102: Concrete Pavers (Promenade Paving)
P103A: Granite Band Type 1: Promenade Banding
P103B: Granite Band Type 2: Text-Inscribed Band Granite Paver
P103C: Granite Band Type 3: Gateway Banding* Granite Paver
P104: Brick Pavers (Streetscape Sidewalk)
P105: Stepping Stones (Existing Reused Canal or Waterfront Stones)
P106: Stabilized Granite Pathway (Kafka Granite, Organic Loc, or Similar)
The second page of paving materials used throughout the proposed Point Lumley Park plan.
Proposed Point Lumley Park Paving Material Examples

LEGEND:
P107: Wood Decking (Sustainably Sourced Wood or Simulated Deck Material)
W101: Wall Type 1: Granite Seat Wall + Planter Wall (Widths and Heights Will Vary)
W102: Wall Type 2: Stacked Canal Stone Wall
S101: Stair Type 1: Poured in Place Concrete Stair
S102: Stair Type 2: Stone Feature Stair

Point Lumley Park Design History

The following section documents the web content previously posted about the Point Lumley Park design development.

Site Location

Rendering of Waterfront Project area showing location of Point Lumley Park
Point Lumley Park is outlined by the orange dashed line.

Previous Design Concepts

Park and Bulkhead Improvements

Cost-based ConceptTechnically Preferred Concept
Rendering of built-up shoreline design concept for the Waterfront project's Point Lumley site.Rendering of new bulkhead design concept for the Waterfront project's Point Lumley site.

Status:

  • Concept can be constructed within current budget*

 

 

Status:

  • Technically preferred concept
  • Concept cannot be constructed within current budget*
  • Design under development in case funding is obtained 

 

* All designs are drafts, deliberative, and pre-decisional. A determination of budget feasibility is based on cost estimates. Affordability will be evaluated based on ongoing design development/engineering, cost estimation, and risk assessments.  

Cost-based Design Development

The City determined sufficient funding was available to pursue a cost-based design* for Point Lumley Park under the budget as of Fall/Winter 2024. The design team proceeded developed the following design concepts under the cost-based design constraints:

Rendering of cost-based Point Lumley Park landscape design concept 1.

Rendering of the second cost-based Point Lumley Park landscape design concept, plus two variations.

* All designs are drafts, deliberative, and pre-decisional. A determination of budget feasibility is based on cost estimates. Affordability will be evaluated based on ongoing design development/engineering, cost estimation, and risk assessments.