The Wharf Transforms D.C.’s Waterfront

The development team at The Wharf in Washington, D.C. has completed phase one of a massive waterfront revitalization project. Lead by the joint ownership of PN Hoffman and Madison Marquette, planners and builders on the Hoffman Madison Waterfront team are transforming the once rundown district into a high functioning neighborhood, bustling with life.

The $2.2 billion project encompasses a mile of waterfront including 50 acres of water and 24 acres of upland improvements. The focus for the master plan is straightforward – reconnect the people in Washington, D.C. to the waterfront.

The docks at The Wharf are Bellingham Marine’s concrete Unifloat docks built in a variety of configurations to suite the intended use of each area. The Recreation Pier includes a low freeboard concrete dock decked in Kebony, a hardwood-like Norwegian decking product of treated wood with a silver-gray patina. Included on the dock is a unique kayak launch designed to assist the disabled go from wheelchair to kayak on their own.

Two Marina Trash Skimmers, mounted to the side of the docks in two locations, keep the water clean. The units work around the clock collecting trash, soaking up oil, and trapping floating debris. The units from Marina Accessories clean 300 gallons of water per minute.

Upland, a granite-cobblestone-paved promenade ringed by shops, restaurants and small courtyards brings the people and the heart of the city down to the water’s edge.

More than a parking lot for boats, The Wharf’s waterfront includes multiple marinas, day docks, public piers, tall ships, excursion cruises and water taxis. A comprehensive water taxi system will link The Wharf to points all around the DC area.

Three guiding principles shaped the team’s vision for The Wharf: create a true waterfront neighborhood, bring the district to the water’s edge, and make the waterfront neighborhood walkable.