[Archived] City of Alexandria Recognizes Old Dominion Boat Club Property Agreement

For Immediate Release: July 22, 2014

The Old Dominion Boat Club (ODBC) notified the City today that its members have now ratified property exchange and settlement agreements with the City that will allow ODBC to construct a new clubhouse and parking lot one block south of their current locations. These agreements were approved by Alexandria City Council on June 24 and executed by ODBC and City officials on June 25.  ODBC indicated that more than 80 percent of Boat Club members who participated in balloting between July 19 and July 21 voted in favor of ratifying the contracts.  The agreements will result in an exchange of ODBC property around the north end of The Strand with City property around the south end.

"The Boat Club is one of the oldest members of the Alexandria community, and we value their presence on the Waterfront," said Mayor William D. Euille.  "We thank the members for their overwhelming support of steps to help preserve Alexandria's legacy as a historic maritime city.  With this vote, we look forward to the Boat Club's bright future and a new opportunity for a community Waterfront accessible to all."

The properties ODBC will transfer to the City form the heart of the new Waterfront design, and their transition to public open space is a critical step in the Waterfront Plan. ODBC’s new facilities will include a modern, flood-protected clubhouse and parking for members, and eventually, new piers.  The current boathouse and parking lot area will be recast as a pedestrian plaza at the foot of King Street, to be called Fitzgerald Square.  The preliminary design includes unobstructed views of the river and many places to walk or relax.  The next phase of the design process will begin in fall 2014.