Richmond Low Line
Richmond Low Line
Located on the banks of Richmond’s historic Kanawha Canal, The Low Line is a 5-acre park reclamation project that is transforming an important pedestrian gateway to the City.
Bound by Dock Street, Great Shiplock Park, and Richmond’s floodwall, the site possesses historical significance to Richmond’s tobacco and slave trades, shipbuilding industry and storied events such as President Lincoln’s arrival to Richmond in the final days of the Civil War. For decades the site was neglected and overcrowded with invasive weed species. In 2002 the Virginia Capital Trail was constructed along the northern boundary of the site. Soon thereafter, our team began negotiating easements from local government and CSX officials.
Under the leadership of Capital Trees, a local 501c3, over $1M has been raised to reclaim the site, plant and maintain a largely native horticultural collection and open spaces along the canal. Pedestrian activity along the trail has spiked since opening and Capital Trees’ efforts continue to catalyze public-private partnerships in the area.
2018 VA ASLA – Merit Award Winner
CLIENT/PROJECT TEAM:
Capital Trees
City of Richmond
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
CSX Corporation
LOCATION:
Richmond, VA
