Here at Potomac Yard-VT Metro Station, history intertwines with innovation. This station is more than just a stop on the Blue and Yellow Lines. It’s a symbol of Alexandria’s transformation.
Potomac Yard-VT Metro Station sits on the site of a former railroad freight yard. This yard was one of the busiest in the Eastern United States. From 1906 to 1982, it processed thousands of cars daily. After its closure, the area was redeveloped.
The late 1990s saw the rise of the Potomac Yard Shopping Center. Plans emerged to add a Metro station. The area was initially constructed to allow for a future station. In June 2008, higher-density projects were approved near the proposed station site. The first public meeting was held in 2009.
In June 2010, the Alexandria City Council voted to rezone North Potomac Yard. The big-box shopping center would become a mixed-use development. The station would be at its center.
The cost of constructing Potomac Yard-VT Metro Station rose over time. It went from $150 million in 2009 to $240 million in 2010. Funding came from Alexandria, WMATA, and property owners nearby. CPYR, the shopping center owner, contributed $81 million. Alexandria floated about $275 million in bonds.
In December 2010, the Alexandria City Council approved a package to fund the station. This was done through the city’s first special tax district. A 20-cent special tax was approved for developments within Potomac Yard. This was projected to generate about $500,000 a year in new tax revenues.
The city considered four alternatives for the station site. These included at-grade and elevated options. In April 2015, Alternative B was recommended. It would result in the densest development.
The final EIS was released in June 2016 after delays. The station was initially planned to open by 2016. By January 2015, it was delayed until 2018. In November 2016, the National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration approved the station’s construction.
The WMATA board accepted the station into the system in December 2015. A planned opening was set for 2020. In August 2017, the station was expected to open in 2021.
The official groundbreaking ceremony was held on December 19, 2019. Completion was expected for April 2022. By February 2022, construction was 70% complete. The station was expected to enter service that fall.
The opening of Potomac Yard-VT Metro Station was delayed to early 2023. In December 2022, WMATA announced plans to open it in May 2023.
The station finally opened on May 19, 2023. It was the Washington Metro’s second infill station. Regional, state, and federal officials attended the opening ceremony.
Potomac Yard-VT Metro Station is located on the eastern side of the RF&P Subdivision. It is on the western side of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The station does not have any parking or kiss and ride facilities.
The station has three entrances. Two pavilions are located on the western side of the tracks. These lead to elevated footbridges. The third entrance is to Potomac Greens.
The station is named after Potomac Yard and Virginia Tech. Potomac is thought to mean “where things are brought in”. Yard refers to the former rail yard. Virginia Tech wanted its initials in the name to promote its Innovation Campus.
The station’s design is unique. Its interior architecture is inspired by Thorncrown Chapel. Its exterior features natural stone and brown steel. The station has received LEED Gold status for its sustainable design.
Each entrance pavilion features public art by Rob Ley. These artworks recognize the station’s Virginia roots. The south pavilion features Virginia bluebells. The north pavilion features cherry blossoms.
As you board your train at Potomac Yard-VT Metro Station, remember its long journey. It represents Alexandria’s commitment to smart growth and a sustainable future.