Canal Basin Square
Scottsville, Virginia

A multi-panel panoramaCanal Basin Square is at the left in this panorama taken from the public path atop the levee. Railroad tracks are at the right, with the James River just in sight, beyond.
A low brick wall defines the park space Canal Basin Square is an interpretation of the historic relationship between the James River, the Canal, the railroad and the more recent levee.

It was designed by a team headed by Nancy Takahashi of the University of Virginia School of Architecture in conjunction with VMDO Architects of Charlottesville, working with the town of Scottsville in its ambitious and successful rejuvenation.

The project received a recent major design award from the Central Virginia Chapter of the AIA.
In this light, the swale of grass can seem like water, and the pavilion a ship.
A batteau (yes that's how it is spelled around here) The lock is on display on a limited schedule--check with the Scottsville Visitors' Center

An accurate full-size reproduction of a 19th century canal boat is on permanent display.(See also here)

A featured exhibit in the park is this working model of a canal lock.

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Last update: September 23, 2007.