Old Dominion Boat Club Members Ratify City Agreement to Move, Build New Clubhouse

It's been years in the making but the Old Dominion Boat Club notified the City this week that its members have now ratified property exchange and settlement agreements with the City that will allow the club to construct a new clubhouse and parking lot one block south of their current locations, according to a news release from the city.

These agreements were approved by Alexandria City Council on June 24 and executed by the club and City officials on June 25. The boat club indicated that more than 80 percent of its 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 boat club 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 the boat club 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, according to the city.

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. 

Also read:

• Old Dominion Boat Club Agrees to Sell Land to City of Alexandria
• Alexandria vs. Old Dominion Boat Club: How Will It End?
• Old Dominion Boat Club Nixes City Offer, But Negotiations Continue
• City Offers Options to Old Dominion Boat Club for Resolution of Parking Lot Dispute
• Alexandria Puts Eminent Domain on Table in Pursuit of Old Dominion Boat Club Lot
• Alexandria Officials Hope for Compromise But Unwilling to Drop Eminent Domain in Boat Club Feud
• City Offers Waterfront Compromise to Old Dominion Boat Club
• Old Dominion Boat Club Settles with National Park Service