The Low Line Green is the second phase of the Low Line project, which opened in the Summer of 2020. Working with Capital Trees, a local non-profit dedicated to enhancing underutilized public spaces, Waterstreet transformed a neglected corner of public land into a lush native plant garden and trailhead for the popular Capital Trail. Runoff from I-95 that used to flow directly into the Canal and James River is now cleaned through a series of rip-rap chambers and a vegetated bio-filter garden. Reclaimed granite canal stones from the Historic Kanawha Canal were used as seating and brick salvaged from an existing plaza created a new place to gather and meet. The historic curb-line of 17th Street is traced with a band of contrasting blonde brick, establishing a visual linkage to the urban grid that was erased during the creation of the Flood Wall. Waterstreet also lead the negotiations between the Army Corps of Engineers, CSX, VDOT, and the City of Richmond, carrying the project forward through years of difficult negotiations.

CLIENT/PROJECT TEAM:
Capital Trees
City of Richmond
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
CSX Corporation
VHB - Civil Engineering

LOCATION:
Richmond, VA

AWARDS:
2018 VA-ASLA Merit Award Winner